Family and faith

By Bridget Cook
A GOOD balance between family, faith and work was the key to living a successful and fulfilling life for Cranbourne resident Joe Kelly.
That was evident as hundreds packed St Agatha’s Church for his funeral Mass on Friday, including his huge family, friends, former colleagues from the market garden industry and parishes he has been involved in.
Joseph Kelly, affectionately known as Joe, died peacefully, aged 92, at his property in Cranbourne named Langunyah – which has the Aboriginal meaning of ‘resting place’.
His legacy will live on through many, as Mr Kelly was a father of 15, grandfather of 52 and great-grandfather of 56, with another three on the way.
He was born on 22 October, 1918, at home in Centre Dandenong Road, Cheltenham, to Bernard and Margaret. He lived there for 60 years before moving to the Cranbourne area.
Mr Kelly was the third child in a family of five.
His involvement in the Catholic Church began at a young age with his parents active members of the local church, St Patrick’s, Mentone, now known as Kilbreda College.
His daughter Pauline Hunt said he was recognised throughout his life for his faith and deep love of prayer – something he paid tribute to his parents for.
Mr Kelly left school at the age of 14 to take his place in the family market garden business, on the farm Erindale.
At 18 years of age, Mr Kelly took over the marketing side of the business and carried out this role successfully for 38 years.
In 1945, he married his one and only girlfriend Mary Margaret Murphy at St Patrick’s Church, Mentone.
Ms Hunt said her father was a man of vision when it came to business and lived a life based on honesty and integrity.
“Dad’s wish was to set up his sons with land as his father had done for him,” she said.
“Dad stated that property was the gold of investment and heritage.”
In 1963, Mr Kelly and his brother purchased land in Rosebud, and in 1967 140 acres of land were purchased at Frankston Road, Dandenong, which they worked as a successful market garden for 40 years.
In 1976, the dairy farm on Taylor’s Road, now Skye, was purchased and this farm carried the family name – Erindale.
In 1988, land was purchased on Western Port Highway and developed into a 100-acre market garden, which carried the name Tullamore.
Mr Kelly then purchased the land next door, and named it Langunyah, where he lived out his life.
Ms Hunt said they had many stories to tell of their childhood but what they treasured most was the model of Christian living he gave them.
“Dad and Mum viewed family as their greatest achievement,” she said.
“Dad always stated that the greatest gift he could give his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the gift of faith.
“Faith underpinned every action of Dad. Dad, you were such a humble gentleman, but so strong in your beliefs.”
Ms Hunt said there were no boundaries to the love, admiration and appreciation everyone had for him.
“You were so strong, keeping us safe and comforted with your passionate love, humour and loyalty.”
Ms Hunt said as a father, he always welcomed everyone into their home to share a meal.
“Let us come to the table of the Lord as you did so many times in your life and give thanks for what we have been given – the gift of Joe Kelly,” she said.