Dr. Charles F. Kelley Jr., 82, died peacefully June 7, 2023. He was the loving husband of Joann Kelley for 54 years. Born in Plainfield, N.J., he was the son of Mary (Fitzgerald) and Charles Kelley Sr.

He was a graduate of St. Mary’s Grammar School in Plainfield and a 1958 graduate of St. Benedict’s Prep School in Newark, N.J.

He was employed as a lab technician for Esso Research and Engineering Company In Linden, N.J. before enlisting in the Navy.

He became a U.S. Navy Hospital corpsman during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge as a PO 2nd Class HM2 in 1965. Later, he returned to Esso to continue his work as a lab technician until he could enroll in college.

He was awarded two Teagle Foundation Scholarships which he used to receive his Bachelor of Arts with honors from Tulane University in 1971 and his Doctor of Medicine degree from The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1975. Finally, he completed his residency in pediatrics in 1978 at The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

In 1978, he began a solo pediatrics practice. Over the next 22 years, he became known for his compassionate care and dedication to his patients. In 2000, after more than two decades in private practice, he began working in group practices at Allentown Hospital, Lehigh Valley Hospital, KidsPeace, Children’s Health Care and LVPG.

In his free time, he enjoyed his children’s sports activities, bowling and autos.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Casey (Stephen); son, Sean (Erin); grandchildren, Julia, Adeline, Charlie, Grace, Michael, Katie. He was predeceased by siblings, Geraldine, Eugene, Kevin and Brian.

Contributions may be made to a children’s organization of choice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. June 19 in St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown. Call 10 a.m. until Mass. Arrangements entrusted to the Stephens Funeral Home, Inc., Allentown.