BLACK RIVER, NY — Richard M. Jellie, 74, of Black River, NY, passed away early Saturday morning, June 23, 2018, at Samaritan Keep Home.
Born in Ogdensburg, NY, on September 2, 1943, only child of Gabriel P. Jellie and Mary (Sullivan) Jellie. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Academy, and graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy in the class of 1962.
In January 1963, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After basic training, he was assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base, Jacksonville, AR, as a chaplain’s assistant until May 1965. This is where he met Victoria Blome. Ernest Harmon AFB in Newfoundland, Canada, was his next assignment, until that base was closed in September 1966, and Richard was Honorably Discharged.
Richard, returned to Jacksonville, AR, where he and Victoria “Vicki” Blome were married April 15, 1967. They lived and worked in Little Rock, AR, until August of 1968, when he returned to Ogdensburg due to his Mother’s (she was then a widow) ill health. He went to work for the St. Lawrence County National Bank (Now Community Bank, NA) in Canton and Ogdensburg, NY. The Jellies’ two sons, Stephen Phillip, and Jason Paul were born at that time. He was also a Boy Scout Leader during this 5-year period. In December 1973, the Jellies moved to Black River, where Richard opened what is now Community Bank, NA.
After several years in Black River, Richard went to work as the Office Manager of the Robert Relph Agency, and later with his wife, Vicki, operated Vicki’s Paint and Petals Gifts, making and selling Ceramic giftware for 26 years. During his sons’ younger years, he once again took up the role of Scout Master. His final job before retiring was for the Department of Defense at Ft. Drum in the ID card section.
Richard is survived by his wife of 51 years, Vicki, sons, Stephen P. Jellie; Jason P. and wife Rebecca Jellie of Duluth, GA, and their two children Alexander “Jett” Jellie and Elin-Kate Jellie. Sister-in-Law and Brother-in-Law Sandy and Ron Head and brother-in-law, Michael Blome, all from Jacksonville, AR. He had very endearing relationships with 3 cousins, Mary Lou Koornstra, Earlville, NY; Patricia Sullivan, Toronto, Canada; and William Sullivan, Waterville, ME. Last but not least, his dog, Josie V. Favorite pastimes for him included hunting, golfing especially in the Early Co-Ed League at Willowbrook Golf Club, and watching TV.
Arrangements are entrusted to Bruce Funeral Home, Black River.
A Funeral Mass will he held 11 a.m. Friday, June 29 at Holy Family Church, 129 Winthrop St. Watertown, with Fr. Steven Murray officiating. There will be a calling hour before the Mass from 10 a.m. to 11 am. at the church. Mr. Jellie will be cremated and ashes distributed later by his family.
A luncheon will be held following the Mass at the Willow Brook Golf Course25075 State Rt. 37 Watertown.
Instead of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Black River Ambulance Squad, Black River, NY, for all their help during Mr. Jellie’s illness.
Online condolences may be made at www.brucefh.com.
