In Memory of Rev. Michael D. O’Kelly (February 18, 1934 – January 20, 2026)
We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Michael D. O’Kelly, who died on January 20, 2026, at the age of 91.
Michael was born on February 18, 1934, in Clarksburg, WV, to Jabez Hanford O’Kelly and Genevieve Helen O’Kelly. The oldest of four children, he joined the Presbyterian Church at the age of fourteen. Although he was never pressured to attend church, Sunday School was a regular part of his upbringing.
Michael received his Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Theatre from West Virginia University in 1956. His college years were marked by the greatest stimulation of his religious quest. He became active in the Westminster Foundation and began preaching as a student. By his senior year, however, he grew skeptical of his faith, doubted the supernatural, and rejected his earlier aspiration to enter the ministry. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the US Army. Trained as a Cryptographer at Fort Gordon, Georgia, he was later stationed for fifteen months at a SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) detachment in Fontainebleau, France. Upon returning to the United States, he worked in public relations and sales positions and began a more focused and serious study of theology.
In early 1959, Michael became acquainted with the Unitarian Church. The newly established Kanawha Valley Unitarian Fellowship in Charleston, WV, rekindled his interest in theology, offering both purpose and direction. He soon joined the fellowship and realized that he could be of significant service not only to himself but to mankind. Drawing on his desire to teach and his inclination to find fulfillment, he began to envision life in church ministry. He entered Meadville Lombard Theological Education to prepare for Unitarian Universalist ministry and received his Master of Divinity in 1966. As a minister, he sought to collaborate with a congregation grounded in trust, inclusivity, and shared excellence. He was committed to an open leadership style and leading an exemplary personal life of value, commitment, creative intelligence, and straightforward ethicality.
The Rev. O’Kelly was ordained on November 13, 1966, by the First Unitarian Society of Westboro, MA (now the UU Congregational Society of Westborough), where he served from 1966 to 1968. He was then called to the UU Church of Muncie, IN (1968–1974), followed by the First Unitarian Church of Toledo, OH (1974–1976). While serving in ministry, he pursued further studies and received a Master of Arts in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from Ball State University, IN, in 1976. He later served as an intern minister for the First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles, CA (1976–1977), and as a settled minister for the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, IL from 1978 to 1981.
The Rev. O’Kelly continued his ministry as an interim minister of the Unitarian Church of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (1984–1985), where he supported programs, led the new course “Parents as Resident Theologians,” and created children’s worship services. He knew the congregants individually and related sensitively to each of them. He was subsequently called to serve the UU Church of Long Beach, CA (1986–1990). There, he was known for providing thoughtful pastoral care and counseling. His sermons were carefully prepared and well-spiked with his excellent sense of humor. He also demonstrated leadership in strengthening internal structures of the church, including introducing a portfolio concept to the board to support more effective community work.
In addition to his ministry, he contributed to the wider denomination through his service to the Pacific Southwest District Planning Committee for the 1990 Annual Meeting. In the later years, he continued offering his ministry to the Unitarian Universalist congregation in Morgantown, WV, as needed and on special occasions.
Michael also worked as a counselor for the West Virginia Youth Advocacy Program, where his patience, insight, and belief in human potential made a lasting impact on the lives of youth.
In his free time, he enjoyed competitive sports, both as a participant and a spectator. He found joy in camping, hunting, fishing, writing poetry, theatre, drawing, and travel. A prolific writer, he authored fifteen books, including Glistenings, a deeply personal work written as a lasting tribute to his wife of nearly fifty years, Marilyn O’Kelly who died in 2009.
Michael is survived by his children, Karen O’Kelly, Kristen DeVono (Kevin), and Sean O’Kelly; his grandchildren, Michael Harris, Lauren Harris, and Joey DeVono; his sister, Sharon Youngdahl; and his brother, Dennis O’Kelly. A celebration of life was held on February 18, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to observe World Harmony Day on July 2nd; read his writings, engage in thoughtful conversation, or perform an act of kindness in someone else’s life, practices he believed could change the world, one moment at a time.
Notes of condolences may be shared here.