Kelly A. Kissell Obituary (1976

With broken hearts, we share the sudden and tragic passing of Kelly A. Kissell, age 49, who left this world far too soon on October 2, 2025. Born on June 10, 1976, to John Kissell and the late Donna (Sullivan) Cox, Kelly was a lifelong resident of South Philadelphia, where her warmth, laughter, and presence touched so many lives. Kelly was the kind of person who could light up any room she entered. She had a magnetic spirit--bold, beautiful, and full of life--and she never hesitated to speak her mind in her own loving, vibrant way. Her laughter was contagious, her style was unmistakable, and her heart was enormous. More than anything, Kelly loved her family. She cherished her son, Damien Benitez, and her greatest joy came from being "Mom-Mom" to her beloved granddaughters, Brielle and her mother Kellyann Lowther and Leilani Benitez. She was a devoted sister to Stacy (Joseph,Sr.) McCaffrey and Bobby Cox, and a loving aunt to Merissa Romano, Gage Caiazzo, Joseph McCaffrey Jr., Tyanna McCaffrey, Donna Peterman, Mary Peterman, and Victoria McCaffrey, as well as a proud great-aunt to Lucas Romano. She will also be deeply missed by her aunts and uncles Thomas (Marie) Kissell and the late Kathleen Ponti, Michael Sullivan, and Barry Sullivan. Kelly's circle extended beyond family--she was loved by cousins and countless friends who will forever feel the void her passing leaves behind. Relatives and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Kelly's life on Wednesday evening, October 15, 2025, from 6-8 PM at the Murphy Ruffenach Brian W. Donnelly Funeral Home, 3rd & Wolf Streets. Funeral services will follow at 8 PM. Interment will be private. In the wake of this sudden tragedy, a crowdfunding page has been created to assist with final expenses. Though her time on earth was far too short, Kelly's love, laughter, and fierce spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/kelly-a-kissell/14486/