Kelly Samuel Nan passed away peacefully at home at 7:52 p.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2017, in his home, with his family by his side.

Mr. Nan was born in Norwalk, Ohio to Samuel and Dorothy (Shaw) Nan. He graduated from Mercer High School in 1977, where he was an outstanding football player and served as team captain his senior year.

Kelly went on to attend Thiel College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts with a major in History, Social Studies and his PA certification in Education. While there, he was a four year Letter winner in football and active in campus life. He later earned a Master of Education and his certification in Secondary Guidance from Slippery Rock University.

Kelly was a man of faith, deeply devoted husband, father, and grandfather, loving, loyal son and brother, and a committed friend to many. He inspired students, friends, and family alike with his strong leadership, humility, creativity, discipline, humor and vision for what is possible.


Whether on the football field as a player or on the sidelines as a coach, from the Social Studies classroom to the guidance office, from the log cabin he built for his family, Kelly's life was lived with passion and purpose.

Kelly served as Head Football Coach at Grove City High School, and Assistant at Grove City and Thiel Colleges. He inspired those around him to excel in all facets of life, imparting his "Kellyisms" to those under his wing. He taught social studies for years at the Grove City High School. Kelly also worked as guidance Counselor for a short time at Reynolds High School. His final and perhaps most rewarding position, was serving as Guidance Counselor to the boy's placed in the care of George Junior Republic in Grove City.



Kelly taught Sunday School at Coolspring Presbyterian Church for many years. At the end of his life, Kelly was a member of the St. John's Episcopal Church in Sharon.



For all of his passionate commitment as a teacher, coach, counselor, builder, carpenter and outdoorsman, Kelly's first priority was his family. All of his children exhibit their father's spirit of energetic creativity, along with his amazing sense of humor and strength of character. Married August 30, 1986, Pamela Lynn (Luther) was the love of his life; they were able to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary this past summer. Kelly made it clear that he was able to fight his battle with brain cancer for so long because, in his words, "this family was worth fighting for."



Kelly was preceded in death by his brother Patrick James and father Samuel Nan.

He is survived by wife Pamela, daughter Samantha, at home, son Nicholas and daughter-in-law Sarah McKnight Nan of Butler, sons Ethan and Evan, at home, and granddaughters Sophia (3) and Aubrey (3 months). Also surviving are his mother Dorothy Shaw Nan, brother Tim, sister-in-law Kelly Rae, sister Julie, and many devoted relatives and friends.


The Nan family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff community at the Grove City Area School District, especially George Jr. Republic and to friends and family too numerous to count for their generous support and kindness during Kelly's extended illness. Deep gratitude also goes to the Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh for their superlative standard of care, especially Dr. Jan Drappatz. In addition, the family is forever grateful for the care he received from the Staff of VNA of Butler for their excellent in the home care.


The family suggests donations be made to the organization of the donor's choice.


Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 2017. And from 1 - 3 p.m. On Sunday January 22, 2017, in the J. Bradley Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State Street, Sharon.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 23, 2017, in St. John's Episcopal Church, Sharon, with Father Adam Trambley, Rector, officiating.

Interment: Pleasant Hill Cemetary, Jackson Center.