Joseph F. Kennelly

Joseph F. Kennelly 97 of Indianapolis, passed away Friday, September 16, 2011. Joseph was born February 6, 1914 in Seattle, WA to the late John and Anna Vondersaar Kennelly. He attended San Diego State University and Butler University. He retired in 1982 as the maintenance superintendent for Allison Division of General Motors. Joseph was a long-time member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, member of Toastmasters International, and a member of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Old Timer's Club where he was the last living Indianapolis 500 Riding Mechanic and the last living pre-World War II race participant. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 pm Friday, September 23 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, where friends may call from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Joseph was the widower of Rosemary Joan Kennelly, to whom he was married 67 years. He is survived by his children, Joseph "Ford" Kennelly and his wife, Jane, Glenda Kennelly, Kevin Kennelly, Sr. Clare Kennelly, F.M.A., Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco and Brian Kennelly and his wife Stacy; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sister, Joan Woerner; and brother, Robert Kennelly. He was preceded in death by his son, Gregory Kennelly; brothers, Jack and George Kennelly. Memorial contributions may be made to Fishers YMCA Active Older Adult Programs or the Salesian Sisters Retirement Fund. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan