Senate Resolution No. 1119

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Reverend Robert Kelly upon the
occasion of his retirement from the Priesthood after
31 years of pastoral service to Oneida County

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State are nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their
energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish
themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and
preeminence of service; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Reverend Robert Kelly, upon the occasion of his retirement
from the Priesthood after 31 years of pastoral service to Oneida County,
to be celebrated at Woods Valley Ski Resort in Westernville, New York,
on Sunday, June 8, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Robert Kelly was born and educated in Syracuse, New York;
he studied for two years at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, and
received his Bachelor of Arts from Wadhams Hall Seminary College in
Ogdensburg, New York, in 1973; and

WHEREAS, Furthering his education, Robert Kelly received his
master's degree in theology from the KU Leuven in Belgium in 1977,
residing there at the American College for four years; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Robert Kelly has served as Associate Pastor in
Camillus, Endwell, and DeWitt and as Pastor at blessed Sacrament in
Utica from 1994-2004, the linked parish of St. Paul's Catholic Church in
Rome since 2004, and St. Joseph's Church in Lee Center since 2014; and

WHEREAS, On October 15, 1997, Reverend Robert Kelly was ordained to
the priesthood; and

WHEREAS, In his retirement, Reverend Robert Kelly will reside in
Syracuse where he will continue to enjoy his hobbies, including travel,
swimming, and gardening; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Robert Kelly has brought to his ministry an
overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment while conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional
integrity and dedication; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Robert Kelly has always given guidance and wisdom
to the many entrusted to his care and has ministered abundantly and
unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of all; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention, it
is appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Reverend Robert Kelly, upon the occasion of his retirement
from the Priesthood after 31 years of pastoral service to Oneida County,
noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service
to God, man, and his community, and extending to him the heartfelt best
wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of purposeful success and
well-being; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Reverend Robert Kelly.