Ivan L. "Sonny" Kelly

Ivan Leroy Kelly III, affectionately known as “Sonny,” of Oakdale, CT and a former resident of Franklin, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, at the age of 67 at Backus hospital in Norwich, Ct. Born on December 6, 1958, Ivan was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose greatest joy in life was his family.

Ivan spent many years working as a truck driver, a career he took great pride in, until suffering a heart attack in 2010. After retiring, Ivan’s life took a beautiful turn when he met the love of his life, Donna Kelly, in 2013. The two were married in 2015 and shared a loving life together filled with family, laughter, and countless memories.

Ivan had a remarkable talent for woodworking and could create just about anything he could imagine. He made beautiful and incredibly detailed wooden creations, including a replica of his own tractor-trailer truck, as well as buses, garbage trucks, cars, and many other creations. His woodworking was more than a hobby—it was a reflection of his creativity, patience, and pride in making something special with his own hands. Where he also won many awards for his beautiful work.

He enjoyed listening to country music and watching old western movies, and car shows with his 1997 mustang gt. But above all else, Ivan loved spending time with the people he loved. He treasured his time with Donna and his family and took great pride in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow.

Ivan leaves behind his devoted wife, Donna Kelly; his son, Ivan Kelly Jr.and his wife Erika Kelly, his stepchildren, Kelly Schiappucci and her significant other Dave Johnson and Wendi Gentilella and her husband Rocco Gentilella Jr; his grandchildren, Paige Markell and her Fiance Adam Collette, Ryley O’Malley And her boyfriend Vernon West, Kendall Gentilella and Emma and Chase Kelly; and his great-granddaughter, Alyvia Aguasvivas, as well as his twin great-granddaughters who are lovingly expected in December 2026. Ivan also leaves behind his longtime friend Robin Charpentier Woll. And his 2 half brothers Dennis and Frank Kelly.

He was preceded in death by his mother Louise Barstow and father Ivan Leroy Kelly Sr, his stepdaughter Stacy Schiappucci, and his father-in-law Joseph Pulsone.

Ivan will be remembered for his loving heart, his creativity, his sense of family, and the countless memories he created with those he loved. His presence will be deeply missed, but the love he gave and the memories he left behind will remain in the hearts of his family forever.

At Ivan’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial services. His family will honor his wishes privately and remember him in the way he would have wanted—with love, family, and cherished memories.

Donations can be made to American Cancer Society.

The Chrles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. is honored to assist the Kelly family. Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com 

Rest easy, Ivan. You will be forever loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.