Sean Joseph Kelly (19 Oct 1966 - 14 Nov 2025)
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SeanSaint Catherine's Hospice (Scarborough)
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- Location
- Scarborough Cricket Club North Marine Road Scarborough YO12 7TJ
- Date
- 5th Dec 2025
- Time
- 12.15pm
We gather today to honour and remember the life of Sean Joseph Kelly, born on the 19th of
October 1966 in St Asaph, North Wales. Sean was the second son of John and the late Gabrielle,
and brother to Mark, Geraldine, and Damian.
Sean’s childhood was one marked by movement, change, and adventure. His family moved
around often due to John's work before settling in Scarborough in 1977. Those early years
shaped so much of who Sean would become. When the Kelly family first arrived in
Scarborough, they lived in the Butlin’s Grand Hotel, where John served as the general
manager. The hotel wasn’t just a place to stay — it became Sean’s playground, his workplace,
and in many ways, his first classroom.
Sean often spoke fondly of those days. As a child, he took it upon himself to be a photographer
for hotel guests enjoying their holidays. He kept himself busy with odd jobs, always looking for
ways to help and make people smile. And when the hotel was out of season, he had free reign
of the place. He explored every corner and played in rooms most children could only dream of.
He loved football — especially when he could play it in the hotel — and he was a devoted
Liverpool fan from a young age.
Sean attended Graham School. He wasn’t what teachers might have called a natural academic,
and one teacher even told him, without an ounce of kindness, that he was the “thickest child”
they had ever met. Words like that could have crushed a lesser person, but Sean carried those
words not as a burden but as a challenge — something to push against, something to prove
wrong.
After leaving school, Sean attended sixth form for a brief period, but by then education was no
longer where his heart lay. He had itchy feet and wanted to get out into the real world and start
earning, he had rent to pay as lived independently from a young age!. He continued working at
the Grand Hotel taking on one of his many roles — never afraid of hard work and always happy
to throw himself into whatever needed doing whilst also working at the bus station.
It was during this time that Sean first met his real-life ‘Golden Gir’l, Julie, she worked in the
bookings office. Julie would often see him “prancing” around the Grand Hotel, unsure of who he
was — and not particularly impressed either. Before long, Sean began appearing in the pubs
and clubs around Scarborough, somehow always managing to be wherever Julie happened to
be. When she eventually discovered he was the general manager’s son, she felt that gave him
even less of a chance. But one evening in The Cask, Julie reluctantly agreed to meet him —
and that was that. Sean had found his Golden Girl.
They officially became a couple in November 1985. Due to Sean’s Irish heritage and small
stature, Julie’s dad Albert liked to introduce him to family members as “the jockey,” a joke Sean
took in good humour. He built a wonderful relationship with his in-laws Irene & Albert.. Sean
and Julie married in May 1987. Sean was keen to ensure that the wedding date did not clash
with the other great love of his life: David Bowie’s Glass Spider Tour, this was to be Julie’s first
taste of Bowie along with numerous other music choices that weren't always her favourite. It
wouldn’t be Sean’s eulogy without mentioning his love of music, especially Bowie. Sean
attended hundreds of concerts, gigs, and festivals with friends and Julie, affectionately referred
to by Sean as ‘Me Julie’ ! The house was always full of music, the louder the better as far as
Sean was concerned and if not that football.
Sean and Julie went on to have two children: Joe, born in October 1990, and Sian, born in
August 1993. From the moment they arrived, they became the centre of Sean’s world. He
adored being a dad. He took great pride in giving his family the experiences he never wanted
them to miss out on. He took Julie, Joe and Sian on family holidays — trips filled with adventure,
sunshine, excitement, and usually a good dose of chaos. No matter where they went, Sean
made it fun, he made them laugh, whether he meant to or not. His humour, his mischief, and his
ability to turn even the smallest moment into a memory are things Joe and Sian will cherish
forever. Joe recalls him and Sean once missing a flight to a stag do because they were sat
eating breakfast and were too late to the gate!
Joe and Sian got their love of music from Sean, and many of their favourite memories are of
dancing around the house, singing in the car, or listening to whatever Sean had blasting through
the speakers. Joe also enjoyed following Liverpool with his Dad, regularly travelling through to
matches. Sian was a keen dancer and sean embraced this too choreographing dances for her
as long as he was in charge of the music she danced to!
Everything Sean built in life — every risk he took, every long shift, every late night — was done
with Joe and Sian and Julie at the heart of it. He wanted them to have opportunities,
experiences and fun lasting memories. He was immensely proud of his family. Walking Sian
down the aisle was one of the greatest honours of his life. When Joe and Lauren welcomed
baby Annie in August this year Sean couldn't have been happier or more proud. Sadly he won't
be able to share her growing up or be a Grandad to Sian and Rich’s pending arrival but the
memories of him will always be shared with his Grandchildren.
Sean had a vibrant, busy lifestyle, everything he did he did at 100 miles an hour and gave
100%, he worked incredibly hard. Sean went on to work in various retail roles, and then at
Halfords, where he had his first taste of management. In the late 1990s, Sean became the
manager of the Shell garage at Staxton. At the time, Shell were beginning to franchise their
stations. Wanting to support his young family and give them the best life possible, Sean saw an
opportunity — and he took a risk.
Over the next 16 years, Sean grew his business, franchising petrol stations from Grimsby up to
Hartlepool, and at one point all the way across to Cumbria. The way he ran his business was
recognised by Shell, and he was awarded several Golden Retailer awards, as well as
all-expenses-paid trips to Kuala Lumpur, among other honours. He built that success entirely
himself, all from taking that first risk. Not bad for the “thickest child” someone once claimed he
was.
Sean was well known within the local business community sitting on various groups striving to
make Scarborough a better place for young people to start out, he was passionate about
making a difference. Sean was modest and really never shared with the family all of his
successes and praise however the messages they have received all contain a common theme
of great boss, fun, energetic, a mentor, inspirational, kind and motivational encouraging others
to do these best they could.
Sean loved sport. He was a keen footballer as a youngster and a decent runner at school.
When he reached 40, he had what Joe affectionately described as a “mini mid-life crisis.” He
tried cooking, golf, and even returned to photography. Cooking, however, was not one of his
strengths — he very nearly managed to poison Sian and Joe on several occasions. By the age
of 43, he accepted that golf and cooking weren’t for him, so he took up running again. And to his
delight, he realised he wasn’t half bad at it — just like in his youth.
In Sean’s running career, he went on to smash countless personal bests and ranked as an elite
athlete. His London 2024 Marathon time of 2.48.09 alongside his Great North Run time of
79.01 led to him being selected to represent England in the Masters Marathon in Chester last
October — something he was immensely proud of. 2025 should have seen Sean run 3 world
masters marathons in London, Berlin & New York, something he was so excited about but it
wasn't to be. However, qualifying alone showed who he truly was: determined, driven, and
always willing to push himself further than anyone ever expected.
Every big race saw Sean setting up a just giving page to support the Teenage Cancer Trust a
charity close to the family. Sean always said to his supporters that they were doing the hard
work by sponsoring him, he was only running! Sean raised over 20K for the TCT by completing
11 Great North Runs and 8 London Marathons. He became an ambassador for the TCT,
helping them shout about the great work they do and speaking to students at University about
fundraising.
A message from TCT reads:-
Sean was, and will remain, a huge inspiration for us here at Teenage Cancer Trust. His
unwavering support and passion for the charity and his unbelievable challenges and runs that
he took on to fundraise for us have had an immeasurable lasting impact. He was always the
first runner back to the tent!
Sean’s love of running extended far beyond his own achievements. He had a real passion for
helping others. He trained with many runners in Scarborough and was always ready with
advice. His guidance could sometimes be a little blunt, but everyone who knew him understood
it always came from kindness and a genuine desire to help. As a committed member of
Scarborough AC, Sean wanted the best for the club and its athletes. That was who he was — if
he reached a goal, he wanted to take everyone along with him.
Even after his diagnosis of terminal lung cancer in February this year, Sean’s charitable spirit
never dimmed. He took control of this devastating news and made the decision that he would
retire himself from running before the cancer retired him! He put on his England vest and did
one final park run supported by over 100 runners. No longer able to run, he simply found
another way. Through a walking challenge, in true Sean style he completed it in half the time
and did double the distance! He raised £5,000 for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
within about 3 weeks, they were blown away by him and wanted to know his secret to
fundraising!. He joined many groups and embraced the support Roy Castle had to offer him,
they soon learnt he enjoyed talking and was to become a great promoter for them also! Sean
was thrilled to be invited to Downing Street in June this year, to celebrate the charities 35th
Anniversary and more importantly to speak with the Deputy Health Minister about the 10 year
lung cancer screening programme, ensuing the message to policymakers remains strong that
the UK must protect and expand lung cancer screening. Not surprisingly Sean was invited to
personally speak at this event and share his story. What a privilege!
Last December Sean and Julie had a fantastic trip to Thailand — a memory the family will
always treasure. Just before they went, the family enjoyed a Christmas night out together. Joe
and Sian were there with their partners, and Sean was having such a good time that he had to
be dragged away before he got too carried away with the shots. It was a perfect snapshot of
who he was — fun, full of life, and happiest when surrounded by those he loved most.
There is so much more to say we could go on forever so please if you are able join us at the
Cricket Club to celebrate Sean’s life, he asked that we say goodbye to him on a Friday so
everyone could enjoy themselves, selfless to the end that was King Prawn, Sir Alan, Our
Rockerfella Sean.
wrote
We gather today to honour and remember the life of Sean Joseph Kelly, born on the 19th of
October 1966 in St Asaph, North Wales. Sean was the second son of John and the late Gabrielle, and brother to Mark, Geraldine, and Damian.
Sean’s childhood was one marked by movement, change, and adventure. His family moved around often due to John's work before settling in Scarborough in 1977. Those early years
shaped so much of who Sean would become. When the Kelly family first arrived in
Scarborough, they lived in the Butlin’s Grand Hotel, where John served as the general
manager. The hotel wasn’t just a place to stay — it became Sean’s playground, his workplace,
and in many ways, his first classroom.
Sean often spoke fondly of those days. As a child, he took it upon himself to be a photographer
for hotel guests enjoying their holidays. He kept himself busy with odd jobs, always looking for
ways to help and make people smile. And when the hotel was out of season, he had free reign
of the place. He explored every corner and played in rooms most children could only dream of.
He loved football — especially when he could play it in the hotel — and he was a devoted
Liverpool fan from a young age.
Sean attended Graham School. He wasn’t what teachers might have called a natural academic,
and one teacher even told him, without an ounce of kindness, that he was the “thickest child”
they had ever met. Words like that could have crushed a lesser person, but Sean carried those
words not as a burden but as a challenge — something to push against, something to prove
wrong.
After leaving school, Sean attended sixth form for a brief period, but by then education was no
longer where his heart lay. He had itchy feet and wanted to get out into the real world and start
earning, he had rent to pay as lived independently from a young age!. He continued working at
the Grand Hotel taking on one of his many roles — never afraid of hard work and always happy
to throw himself into whatever needed doing whilst also working at the bus station.
It was during this time that Sean first met his real-life ‘Golden Gir’l, Julie, she worked in the
bookings office. Julie would often see him “prancing” around the Grand Hotel, unsure of who he
was — and not particularly impressed either. Before long, Sean began appearing in the pubs
and clubs around Scarborough, somehow always managing to be wherever Julie happened to
be. When she eventually discovered he was the general manager’s son, she felt that gave him
even less of a chance. But one evening in The Cask, Julie reluctantly agreed to meet him —
and that was that. Sean had found his Golden Girl.
They officially became a couple in November 1985. Due to Sean’s Irish heritage and small
stature, Julie’s dad Albert liked to introduce him to family members as “the jockey,” a joke Sean
took in good humour. He built a wonderful relationship with his in-laws Irene & Albert.. Sean
and Julie married in May 1987. Sean was keen to ensure that the wedding date did not clash
with the other great love of his life: David Bowie’s Glass Spider Tour, this was to be Julie’s first
taste of Bowie along with numerous other music choices that weren't always her favourite. It
wouldn’t be Sean’s eulogy without mentioning his love of music, especially Bowie. Sean
attended hundreds of concerts, gigs, and festivals with friends and Julie, affectionately referred
to by Sean as ‘Me Julie’ ! The house was always full of music, the louder the better as far as
Sean was concerned and if not that football.
Sean and Julie went on to have two children: Joe, born in October 1990, and Sian, born in
August 1993. From the moment they arrived, they became the centre of Sean’s world. He
adored being a dad. He took great pride in giving his family the experiences he never wanted
them to miss out on. He took Julie, Joe and Sian on family holidays — trips filled with adventure,
sunshine, excitement, and usually a good dose of chaos. No matter where they went, Sean
made it fun, he made them laugh, whether he meant to or not. His humour, his mischief, and his
ability to turn even the smallest moment into a memory are things Joe and Sian will cherish
forever. Joe recalls him and Sean once missing a flight to a stag do because they were sat
eating breakfast and were too late to the gate!
Joe and Sian got their love of music from Sean, and many of their favourite memories are of
dancing around the house, singing in the car, or listening to whatever Sean had blasting through
the speakers. Joe also enjoyed following Liverpool with his Dad, regularly travelling through to
matches. Sian was a keen dancer and sean embraced this too choreographing dances for her
as long as he was in charge of the music she danced to!
Everything Sean built in life — every risk he took, every long shift, every late night — was done
with Joe and Sian and Julie at the heart of it. He wanted them to have opportunities,
experiences and fun lasting memories. He was immensely proud of his family. Walking Sian
down the aisle was one of the greatest honours of his life. When Joe and Lauren welcomed
baby Annie in August this year Sean couldn't have been happier or more proud. Sadly he won't
be able to share her growing up or be a Grandad to Sian and Rich’s pending arrival but the
memories of him will always be shared with his Grandchildren.
Sean had a vibrant, busy lifestyle, everything he did he did at 100 miles an hour and gave
100%, he worked incredibly hard. Sean went on to work in various retail roles, and then at
Halfords, where he had his first taste of management. In the late 1990s, Sean became the
manager of the Shell garage at Staxton. At the time, Shell were beginning to franchise their
stations. Wanting to support his young family and give them the best life possible, Sean saw an
opportunity — and he took a risk.
Over the next 16 years, Sean grew his business, franchising petrol stations from Grimsby up to
Hartlepool, and at one point all the way across to Cumbria. The way he ran his business was
recognised by Shell, and he was awarded several Golden Retailer awards, as well as
all-expenses-paid trips to Kuala Lumpur, among other honours. He built that success entirely
himself, all from taking that first risk. Not bad for the “thickest child” someone once claimed he
was.
Sean was well known within the local business community sitting on various groups striving to
make Scarborough a better place for young people to start out, he was passionate about
making a difference. Sean was modest and really never shared with the family all of his
successes and praise however the messages they have received all contain a common theme
of great boss, fun, energetic, a mentor, inspirational, kind and motivational encouraging others
to do these best they could.
Sean loved sport. He was a keen footballer as a youngster and a decent runner at school.
When he reached 40, he had what Joe affectionately described as a “mini mid-life crisis.” He
tried cooking, golf, and even returned to photography. Cooking, however, was not one of his
strengths — he very nearly managed to poison Sian and Joe on several occasions. By the age
of 43, he accepted that golf and cooking weren’t for him, so he took up running again. And to his
delight, he realised he wasn’t half bad at it — just like in his youth.
In Sean’s running career, he went on to smash countless personal bests and ranked as an elite
athlete. His London 2024 Marathon time of 2.48.09 alongside his Great North Run time of
79.01 led to him being selected to represent England in the Masters Marathon in Chester last
October — something he was immensely proud of. 2025 should have seen Sean run 3 world
masters marathons in London, Berlin & New York, something he was so excited about but it
wasn't to be. However, qualifying alone showed who he truly was: determined, driven, and
always willing to push himself further than anyone ever expected.
Every big race saw Sean setting up a just giving page to support the Teenage Cancer Trust a
charity close to the family. Sean always said to his supporters that they were doing the hard
work by sponsoring him, he was only running! Sean raised over 20K for the TCT by completing
11 Great North Runs and 8 London Marathons. He became an ambassador for the TCT,
helping them shout about the great work they do and speaking to students at University about
fundraising.
A message from TCT reads:-
Sean was, and will remain, a huge inspiration for us here at Teenage Cancer Trust. His
unwavering support and passion for the charity and his unbelievable challenges and runs that
he took on to fundraise for us have had an immeasurable lasting impact. He was always the
first runner back to the tent!
Sean’s love of running extended far beyond his own achievements. He had a real passion for
helping others. He trained with many runners in Scarborough and was always ready with
advice. His guidance could sometimes be a little blunt, but everyone who knew him understood
it always came from kindness and a genuine desire to help. As a committed member of
Scarborough AC, Sean wanted the best for the club and its athletes. That was who he was — if
he reached a goal, he wanted to take everyone along with him.
Even after his diagnosis of terminal lung cancer in February this year, Sean’s charitable spirit
never dimmed. He took control of this devastating news and made the decision that he would
retire himself from running before the cancer retired him! He put on his England vest and did
one final park run supported by over 100 runners. No longer able to run, he simply found
another way. Through a walking challenge, in true Sean style he completed it in half the time
and did double the distance! He raised £5,000 for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
within about 3 weeks, they were blown away by him and wanted to know his secret to
fundraising!. He joined many groups and embraced the support Roy Castle had to offer him,
they soon learnt he enjoyed talking and was to become a great promoter for them also! Sean
was thrilled to be invited to Downing Street in June this year, to celebrate the charities 35th
Anniversary and more importantly to speak with the Deputy Health Minister about the 10 year
lung cancer screening programme, ensuing the message to policymakers remains strong that
the UK must protect and expand lung cancer screening. Not surprisingly Sean was invited to
personally speak at this event and share his story. What a privilege!
Last December Sean and Julie had a fantastic trip to Thailand — a memory the family will
always treasure. Just before they went, the family enjoyed a Christmas night out together. Joe
and Sian were there with their partners, and Sean was having such a good time that he had to
be dragged away before he got too carried away with the shots. It was a perfect snapshot of
who he was — fun, full of life, and happiest when surrounded by those he loved most.
There is so much more to say we could go on forever so please if you are able join us at the
Cricket Club to celebrate Sean’s life, he asked that we say goodbye to him on a Friday so
everyone could enjoy themselves, selfless to the end that was King Prawn, Sir Alan, Our
Rockerfella Sean.
Report
is attending the funeral
wrote
Good bless you sean, I have stood back from the other side of the country and admired, respected and been in awe of the fight you put up. Rest up now pal then run along every fluffy cloud you can.
Report
donated £20 in memory of Sean
Just to let you know we are thinking about you all at this very sad time. Sean is very much in our thoughts and prayers.
Report
lit a candle
wrote
Rest in Peace, Sean. A great guy. Sending our love to Julie, Joe and Sian xx
Report
donated £20 in memory of Sean
Rest in Peace, Sean. A great guy. Much love to Julie, Joe & Sian at this sad time ❤️
Report
lit a candle
donated £50 in memory of Sean
Love you
Report
donated £20 in memory of Sean
So many great memories of Sean and the whole Kelly family. Sending lots of love x
Report
wrote
Sean was the creator of some great memories for me, and my kids. From running through the streets of Soho, drunk, on a college trip...to him letting my kids work behind the counter selling sweets, in Scarbados! He was always happy to see us, and it was totally mutual! We'll miss you, old friend.
Report
is attending the funeral and the reception
lit a candle
donated £10 in memory of Sean
Heartfelt condolences to Julie and family. Sean was a great guy who will be sadly missed
Report
lit a candle
lit a candle
posted a picture
You will be sorely missed Sean. A top guy who always put others first. Rest in peace. Thinking of your family at this sad time xxx
Report
lit a candle
donated £30 in memory of Sean
Sean you were an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace. Sending lots of love to Julie and all the family.
Report
is attending the funeral and the reception
is attending the funeral and the reception
wrote
A true gentleman. Im so pleased we all got to spend time with you at the reunion,, sleep well .. you are a true inspiration and will always be remembered..
Condolences to julie and family , xx
Report
posted a picture
That next drink will have to wait!! RIP Sean Kelly, but I doubt you will be resting, you’re more likely to running in peace. 💪🏻🏃🏻➡️🤍
Report
donated £30 in memory of Sean
In fond memory of Sean
Report
lit a candle
You will be sorely missed Sean. A top guy who always put others first. Rest in peace. Thinking of your family at this sad time xxx
That next drink will have to wait!! RIP Sean Kelly, but I doubt you will be resting, you’re more likely to running in peace. 💪🏻🏃🏻➡️🤍
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