Obituary of Joanna Kelly

Joanna Kelly, 77, of Clinton, NY passed away on June 12, 2025. Born in Utica, NY, on December 18, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Paul Chieco and Ruth Rinaldi Chieco. After becoming a loving mother to her three children, she pursued her passion and became a beautician. She was the proud owner of JK’s Beauty Ranch in Clinton, NY where she created a wonderful atmosphere for her clients, many becoming close friends. Her warm presence and inviting personality helped create an environment where everyone came to relax, have a few laughs and leave feeling more beautiful. Her generosity and unselfishness defined who she was.  Over her career, Joanna gave more free haircuts than haircuts for which she was paid.  Joanna was always giving including to her community where she was a trustee for Central Oneida County Volunteer Ambulance Corp for over twenty years. She was united in marriage on September 3, 1966 to Sherwin “Chuck” Kelly, together they shared a blessed union for 58 years.

Joanna was a friend to anyone and everyone, she was the type of person to open her heart to all and provided comfort to all who needed it.  She was always there with a listening ear and had the best advice. She was a mother to many more than just her three children. She loved to cook and was always ready to share a meal, especially her famous macaroni on Sunday where there was a standing open invitation. She always loved a good conversation, but the best ones took place on her porch at camp where there was a steady flow of coffee, food, friends and family.

Joanna was the epitome of a family person; she was incredibly proud of her family and always present for them in every way possible. Joanna especially cherished her role as a Grandmother.  She loved to support, teach and spend as much quality time as possible with all of the kids.

She was especially close to her Aunt Dee whom she considered the matriarch of the Chieco family, the two enjoyed sharing family history and watching the new generation grow up. She was also very close to her sister-in-law Sharon Nester. The two were together often and in Joanna’s last six weeks, Sharon was by her side every day.  Joanna’s best friend from her childhood, Barb Townshend was her partner in crime and her confidant.  Joanna especially looked forward to “cousins’ day” as well as visits from Kathy Dhalle and Mary Lou Friend to catch up and connect with her family and friends. There are so many additional close friends and family members that shared a special relationship with Joanna, it would be very difficult to list them all.  Please know that she had a special place in her heart for each and every one of you. 

Joanna is survived by her husband Chuck Kelly; her son Paul (Edie) Kelly; her daughters Lisa Torgalski (Patrick Berst) and Chante Emerson (Jim Roeschlaub); her brother Leopold Chieco; sister Paula Collins; grandchildren Lauren, Emma, Nick, Tyler, and Kennedy and sisters-in-law Roseanne Young and Patty Murphy. She was predeceased by her brother Leonard Chieco, nephew Little Paul Chieco and special cousin Danny Alberico.

As per Joanna’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A memorial service will take place at the Church of Annunciation on June 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joanna’s memory to the Abraham House of Rome or a Hospice and Palliative Care of your choice.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kandiah, the Oneida Hospital nurses, and the Abraham House staff for the compassion and kindness shown to Joanna; their care and dedication to their patients is truly a gift.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service.