John J. Kaelin

John J. Kaelin, 78, of Redwood Rd., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Health Alliance Hospital, Mary's Ave., Kingston. Born on December 28, 1946, in Queens, he was the beloved son of the late Philip and Gertrude Kaelin.

John was a man of many passions, and his love for life was evident in everything he did. A longtime resident of the area, he dedicated many years to his work at Alcoa Corporation, formerly Huck, in Kingston. But beyond his career, it was his community and his family that truly defined him. He found joy in being part of the Saugerties Jaycees, the Saugerties Powerboat Association, and the Saugerties Senior Center Club. He also shared a love for art with his son and daughter as a member of the Woodstock Artists Association.

Fishing was more than a hobby for John—it was a way of life. He didn’t just fish; he told stories about his adventures, capturing the essence of each cast and each moment spent by the water. His love for the outdoors extended far beyond the shoreline. He took his family on countless camping and hiking trips in the Adirondacks, instilling in them a deep appreciation for nature. His green thumb was visible in his cactus gardens, the pond he lovingly helped build and maintain, and his cherished bonsai trees, which he nurtured with care and love.

John’s creativity knew no bounds. His love for art and photography filled his home with paintings and photographs that spoke of his perspective on the world. And then there were his words—his poetry, a quiet passion he rarely shared but left behind as a gift to those who loved him. A collection of his poems will be available for all who wish to see the world through his eyes.

As John often said, c’est la vie. Live and let live. And that is exactly what he did.

Survivors include his wife, Carol Ann Grella Kaelin, a daughter, Jennifer Kaelin of Morongo Valley, CA., and a son, David Kaelin of Saugerties. A sister, Linda (David) Masko of Florence, Oregon. He was predeceased by his siblings, Patrick, Phyllis, Barbara, and Joan, his eldest sister who passed recently in January 2025. Many nieces and nephews.

His Funeral Service will be held 12 noon on Monday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Inc. Cor. of John & Lafayette St. Saugerties. Friends will be received on Sunday 1-4 PM.

Family suggests donations in his memory be made to either RavensBeard.org as John was an avid lover of birds or to St. Jude https://www.stjude.org/donate/. Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family on John's Tribute Wall at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John J. Kaelin, please visit our floral store.