Obituary of Kelly T. Sanvidge, Sr.

Kelly T. Sanvidge, 65, of Chestertown, Loon Lake, entered into eternal life unexpectedly on Monday Feb. 24, 2025 while vacationing with his family at his Bonita Springs, FL home. He was born on Dec. 24, 1959 in Troy, NY and was the son of the late John J. “Bud” and Edna (Kelly) Sanvidge. Kelly attended St. Augustine’s Catholic School and graduated from LaSalle Institute, Troy, in 1978. He continued his education at Hudson Valley Community College where he earned his Associate’s Degree in Applied Mortuary Science.

A staunch Republican, Kelly’s passion for public service led him to the Rensselaer County Legislature in 1981 when he became the first Republican and the youngest to represent the county. For four years, he stood alongside his constituents working tirelessly on their behalf.  

Following his time in public office, Kelly dedicated over 40 years of his life to grieving families offering familial comfort and guidance as the owner and partner, alongside his brother, at the business founded by their father in 1950, John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc. in Lansingburgh. He considered his work not just a profession, but a calling and ministry through which he could support others during their most difficult times. His expertise in the field extended internationally when he travelled to the former Soviet Union to teach embalming techniques with fellow funeral directors helping to advance the profession and provide dignity to families worldwide. Kelly was extremely passionate in providing services to the Hindu Temple of Albany. He thoroughly enjoyed working with the Hindu-Indian community and adopted their practices and culture while providing his compassionate bereavement services. The Hindu Temple of Albany even honored Kelly at a Hindu ceremony accepting him into their community. Kelly loved working with the Hindu Temple of Albany and took much pride in having the opportunity to provide bereavement services for them.  

Kelly was deeply devoted to the people and places he cherished. He volunteered his time within his home parish of St. Augustine’s Church as a longtime communicant and served on various committees. For 30 years, he proudly served as chairman of St. Augustine’s Bingo, a role he embraced not just as a fundraiser but as a way to bring people together in fellowship and fun. Kelly was also a board member of Jonesville Cemetery in Clifton Park for over a decade providing expertise with sensitivity in burial matters, business strategies, long term planning for lot owners and supported major enhancements to the cemetery including the bell tower, fence, veterans’ monument which he donated, and much more.       

Beyond his professional endeavors, Kelly loved to travel. His journeys took him across the world including a particularly meaningful visit to the Vatican in Rome, Italy in the Jubilee year 2000. He also loved to vacation in Marco Island, FL, and in his mother’s homeland of Ireland of which he was a citizen. He enjoyed several sports in all seasons. Whether he was at his home on Loon Lake, the Hudson River or the open sea, Kelly found his greatest sense of freedom and peace on the waves waterskiing or boating. He was an expert downhill skier and loved to vacation atop the mountains. Skiing in British Columbia, Canada at the Big White Ski Resort and on Stowe Mountain staying at the Trapp Family Lodge were highlights of his life.

His natural charisma and jovial personality made him a gifted public speaker, a talent he honed over many years as a member of Toastmasters International.  He mastered the art of storytelling, blending humor and warmth to connect with those around him while hosting events, delivering wedding speeches or simply sharing his signature jokes for family and friends.

Kelly’s life was a testament to selfless service, adventure and the enduring power of faith, family, and community. His guidance, teachings and love forever impacted his children and will be passed on for generations to come.     

He is the devoted father of Kelly T. Sanvidge Jr., Meaghan M. (Kevin) Smith, Erin E. (Joseph) Napoleone, Frankie M. Sanvidge, Natalie J. Sanvidge (Owen Emerich) and Aisling A. Sanvidge. He is a cherished “Poppy” to, Bella Campbell, Dominic Napoleone, Cora Napoleone, and Capri Napoleone, Eamon Smith, a great-“Poppy” to Brayden. He is a dear brother to Denise (Jack) Hennessy, John J. (Kathleen) Sanvidge, Jr., Kevin M. (Pamela) Sanvidge, Brian P. (Christina) Sanvidge, David W. (Amy) Sanvidge and the late Maureen R. Rabe. He is also predeceased by his son-in-law and best friend, Michael “Mikey” J. Campbell, nephew, Jay Hennessy, and sister-in-law, Marilyn F. (Kevin) Sanvidge.  

He is the comical, fun-loving uncle to several nieces and nephews: Sean Hennessy, Shannon, John and Matthew Sanvidge, Kathleen Eoannou, Casey DeMarco, and Brittany Sanvidge, Erik Rabe, Jr., Emma and Nicholas Sanvidge, David Sanvidge, Jr., and Peter Sanvidge, along with several great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m. followed by Kelly’s Mass of Christian Burial at 5 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Church, 25-115^th Street, Troy, N.Y. 12182. Interment will be held in St. John’s Cemetery, Lansingburgh on Monday morning at 11:00 a.m. The Mass will be livestreamed on Sunday and you are invited to join us by using the link below

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82331563877?pwd=zMFW8bKZ62HrhkCProsWo1LuibxUnj.1

Meeting ID: 823 3156 3877
Passcode: 0565

Those desiring can order flowers from Kelly’s “Premiere” flower shop, Garden Gate Florist (518) 371-5680 or by visiting thegardengateflorist.net

In celebration of Kelly’s Irish heritage, ivory and kelly green flower combinations are encouraged.

It is asked that any donations in Kelly's honor be made to the American Heart Association, 444 Liberty Avenue, Suite 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 https://www.heart.org or type 1 diabetes exchange, T1D Exchange, 101 Federal St., Suite 440, Boston, MA 02110 https://t1dexchange.org

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