Larry Keely Obituary

Keely, Larry L. 78, of Melrose Park, passed away after a lengthy illness. Larry was born on October 9, 1929, to George and Burnadette Keely in Goshen, IN. Larry attended St. John's and Goshen High Schools, upon graduation he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Naples, Italy. Here he began his great love of opera attending La Scala Opera House. He would later become a member of the Met and Lyric Operas. After service he worked for the film industry then moved to Chicago where he worked for the railroad. He went into business for himself. He loved animals, so he opened two pet shops and grooming parlors as well as a successful business in the loop. He formed his own cattery where he raised and bred pedigreed cats of all breeds, but mainly Himalayans and Persians. He exhibited his cats all over the world winning many awards. He also raised and bred poodles. He moved to California and opened a boarding motel for cats. He became interested in real estate, owning two properties in California, four in Chicago and four in the Suburbs. He loved to Travel Ireland, all through Europe, Australia, Rio Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Russia, and others. Preceding him in death his mate of 52 years, his parents, grandparents, two brothers, Martin and George and sister, Melody. Surviving him two brothers, Timothy of Melrose Park and Byron of San Francisco, three nephews, Micheal, Loren and Larry, a niece, Carol, sister-in-law Mary and other relatives all of Sturgis, MI. A Holy Mass for the Soul of Larry was said at St. John Vianney's Catholic Church, 46 N. Wolf Rd., Northlake. Cremation and services through Olsen-Burke Sullivan of Chicago.