A life well lived. Filled with stories, laughter, deep family bonds, loyal friendships, and moments shared with the people he loved the most.
Obituary
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Michael Kelly, who was born on 15 November 1945 and passed away on 10 March 2026 in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.
Michael was a proud, born and raised, Mancunian. He carried the spirit of the city with him throughout his life — filled with humour, warmth, resilience and a deep sense of loyalty to family and community.
He was educated at North Manchester Grammar School before beginning his working life with the Gas Board, where he trained and qualified as a gas engineer. In later years, Michael moved into sales, a role perfectly suited to his natural gift for conversation and connection. He was known for his determination and meticulous record keeping, evidenced by the countless handwritten ledgers he kept over the years — documenting the thousands of customers and conversations that formed part of his working life.
Michael had a lifelong love of sport. In his younger years he played both football and cricket at a high level, and like many true Mancunians he remained a devoted supporter of Manchester United. Later in life, golf became a particular passion and a place of quiet enjoyment and companionship, particularly his many golfing trips with friends to Spain.
He also had a wonderfully sharp mind and an enduring love of puzzles and wordplay. Michael could seemingly solve almost any cryptic crossword placed in front of him and was always in his element at a good pub quiz, quietly confident that the answer would eventually reveal itself.
Above all, Michael will be remembered for his character. He had a dry sense of humour, a thoughtful nature, and an ability to make those around him feel comfortable and welcome. Conversations with Mike were rarely rushed; they were often filled with curiosity, warmth, and a genuine interest in the people around him.
Michael was dearly loved by his daughter Michelle, grandchildren Lauren and Max, sister Maureen and brother in law Kevin, nephews Gary, Dale and Mark, and his extended family Pauline, Barbara, Andrea & Chris, Kerry, Marlon, Chloe, Noah & Oscar, and Louise & Ida, along with the many friends he made throughout his life.
His passing leaves a space that cannot be filled. Yet the memories he created, the conversations shared, and the love he gave will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all.
Thank-You
Michael’s life was filled with stories, friendships, humour and moments shared with the people he loved the most. As you read through the moments that shaped his life, we hope you can picture the man behind them: the conversations, the laughter, the quiet determination, and the warmth he brought to the people around him.
A life is never truly captured by dates alone. It lives on in the stories we tell, the memories we share and the moments that continue to make us smile when we think of him.
We invite you to add your own memories, photographs and stories to the memory wall, so that this page becomes a living tribute to Michael and together we can continue celebrating the life he lived.
Thank-you
Michelle Kelly
Michael's Daughter
I can be contacted via email michellepkelly@yahoo.co.uk or phone 07879 238012
Timeline
He later worked for various businesses including William Sugg and Co, Thorne Heating Ltd, starting his own business with partners: Wallridge Heating Ltd, and later moving on to work for William Bradbury & Sons Ltd, Home Services (Manchester) Ltd, UPVC Direct, Harwin Windows and Crown Windows.
Gallery
Memory Wall
Every message and memory will help us celebrate the life he lived and the many lives he touched.
(Click Contribute to add your messages and to attach photos.)
Always enjoyed his company and will be sadly missed. Thanks for the memories, Mike, RIP buddy.
My mum had carefully packed a suitcase full of perfectly coordinated outfits for me so Dad wouldn’t have to think about things like that. But when it came to my long hair, he was completely out of his depth.
On one of our first mornings he bravely attempted to blow dry it for me. Within minutes my hair was tangled in the back of the dryer and he was on the verge of setting my entire head on fire. Safe to say he never attempted that again.
Instead, in true Mike Kelly style, he decided the best solution was to make friends with the prettiest women he could find on the beach. They took great pity on him and kindly helped sort my hair out.
Strangely enough, even after my hair was done, they still joined us for lunch…always the charmer!
Favorites
You to Me are Everything by the Real Thing
Football and Cricket in his younger years
Funeral Service
We warmly invite you to join us as we come together to celebrate the life of Michael Kelly.
This will be a time for family and friends to gather, to remember Michael, share stories and memories, and reflect on the many moments that made him such a special part of our lives.
Your presence would mean a great deal as we honour his life and say our farewell surrounded by those who knew and cared for him.
Dress Code: Formal Black Attire
Please RSVP below to let us know if you will attend the crematorium, and also the wake, so we can understand attendance numbers.
Note: We can livestream the service also so if anyone cannot attend and would like these details please email me at michellepkelly@yahoo.co.uk
Bury Road, Rochdale OL11 4DG
1:00pm
Please do let us know if you will attend so we can cater appropriately.
Address: The Turks Head, 119 Castleton Rd, Royton, Oldham, OL2 6UP
PLEASE RSVP BELOW
Donate
During the final weeks of his life, the team at Springhill Hospice cared for Michael with extraordinary compassion, dignity and kindness. Their support meant the world to us all at an incredibly difficult time, ensuring that he was comfortable and surrounded by care right until the very end.
Thank you for your kindness and support.
PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW TO DONATE
www.justgiving.com/page/michael-kelly-tribute
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