Merle Kelsey, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle who died peacefully on February 29, 2016. He was 85. Merle was born on May 17, 1930, in Johnson City, NY to Henry and Anna Kelsey, the oldest of four siblings. Merle grew up in Deposit, NY and then attended and graduated Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa Falls, Georgia, where he met and married the love of his life Jean Kelsey in 1955, and they shared 60 years of love, happiness and dedication to each other.

Merle is survived by his beloved family: his wife Jean; his sister Evelyn Wicks; his brother John Kelsey; his son Timothy and daughter-in-law Donna Kelsey; daughter Debbie and son-in-law Gerard Corbett; grandson John Corbett; grandson Chris and wife Jessica Corbett; grandson James Kelsey; grandson Michael and wife Kim Corbett; granddaughter Tara Kelsey; granddaughter Jean Corbett; granddaughter Jena Corbett; great-grandsons Orion Corbett and Tucker Corbett; great-granddaughters Alex Laurent and Kaitlyn Kelsey; and many nieces and nephews. Merle was also pre-deceased by his sister Helen and daughter Rebecca.

Merle was a US postal carrier for over 20 years in Tappan, NY and was well known to everyone as "Mr. Smiley". Following his retirement he enjoyed woodworking and gardening. Merle belonged to the Marquetry Club of Pearl River, the square dance club "Rocky Tops" of West Nyack, and the Orangetown-Nyack Senior Citizen's club at St. Ann's of Nyack.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 3rd, from 2 – 4 PM and 7 – 9 PM, at Hannemann Funeral Home, 88 S. Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960.

A Service will be held on Friday, March 4th, at 9:30AM at Hannemann Funeral Home, 88 S. Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960, with burial following at Oakwood Cemetery, in Deposit, NY.