Oakwood City Council and staff are very sad to announce the passing of Michael J. Kelly. Mike Kelly died on Monday, January 10, 2022 at the age of 76.
Mike served the city of Oakwood for over 33 years, the last nine plus years as Oakwood City Manager. He served as Assistant to the City Manager from 1968 to 1971; as Public Safety Director from 1971 to 1992; and as City Manager from 1992 to his retirement in March 2002. Mike Kelly earned a BA from Kent State University, where he graduated with honors in 1967, and a Master in Public Administration from the University of Michigan in 1969.
“Mike was the consummate professional, in every sense of the word”, said Mayor Bill Duncan. “He will always be remembered for his dedication to the betterment of Oakwood and as a man of the highest integrity.”
As Public Safety Director, Mike Kelly saw to it that Oakwood citizens and businesses received the finest possible police, fire and emergency medical services, a hallmark of Oakwood. He provided the foundation upon which the first-class public safety department operates today. As City Manager, Mike diligently oversaw the daily delivery of Oakwood’s comprehensive public services and was regarded as one of the finest city managers in the region. Mike led the city through several notable and significant projects including the planning, design and construction of the J. David Foell Public Works Center; preliminary planning for the reuse of the former NCR Sugar Camp property; and the complete rewrite of the Oakwood Zoning Code.
“Mike was one of those very special people you meet in life”, said City Manager Norbert Klopsch. “The manner in which he conducted himself and served the citizens and businesses of Oakwood was a role model for all. He will be missed.”