BAYVILLE – The Oceanaires Chorus is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished members, Assistant Director and tenor Pat Kelly, who died suddenly of a heart attack recently. He was remembered as a gifted musician, a dedicated friend, and a man of deep conviction.
Kelly, a lifelong barbershopper, was known for his decades of contributions to choral music and his passion for harmony. In addition to singing, he often stepped into leadership roles, including conducting performances when the director was unavailable. His fellow chorus members recalled his enthusiasm, humor, and insistence on quality and decency in everything he did.
“Our loss is eclipsed by that of his wife of over 50 years, Sandy, his high school sweetheart,” the chorus said in a statement. “We offer his family our sincere sympathies as well as our gratitude for sharing him with us for so many years.”
Director Ritchie Lavene, a close friend of Kelly’s for three decades, reflected on his impact. “He was a consummate musician who bought his first guitar after watching the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show,” Lavene said. “As far as Barbershop was concerned, he loved music, he loved the chords, he loved the fellowship. He was a right-hand man, a friend, and the ultimate utility guy. I can’t believe he’s gone, and not sure what I’ll do without him.”
Kelly leaves behind a legacy of music, friendship, and community spirit. His chorus members said they will remember him not only for his voice but for his love of life, whether singing in quartets, playing pickleball, or sharing laughs with friends.
