Brendan Larkin Kelly—beloved father, brother, son, friend, and talented actor and chef—died at the age of 40 on January 28, 2022, in Charleston, South Carolina.  On the stage, in the kitchen, and in life, Brendan lit up the rooms he entered.  He will be remembered for his show-stopping singing voice, his fine food creations, and his boisterous humor, which lifted the spirits of everyone around him.  He grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, graduating from Canterbury High School in 2000.  He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Theater School at DePaul University in 2005, and studied culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu.  While in Chicago, he became a chef at the famous Charlie Trotter's restaurant, as well as a loyal fan of "Da Bears."  In 2008, he returned to Fort Wayne and worked as a chef at Joseph Decuis and starred in the Civic Theater's production of "Rent."  Dreaming of sunnier skies, in 2011 he moved to Charleston, South Carolina to pursue his dual passions for culinary arts and acting.   He dedicated himself to community theater as an actor at Holy City Shakespeare, Sprouts Children's Theater and Threshold Repertory Theater where he became Artistic Director.  Off stage, Chef Kelly shared his culinary talents as an instructor at the Art Institute of Charleston and through his catering business, Amuse Foods.  When cooking for family, Brendan was known to commandeer the kitchen, insist on only the best ingredients, and give his loved ones' meals and memories to last a lifetime.  Brendan shared his love of life through his art; by way of his songs, performances, and culinary gifts, he inspired others. On his many adventures, he always had his dog by his side, a smirk on his face, and a quick joke on the tip of his tongue.  He is survived by his parents, Drs. Pamela and Kevin Kelly, his siblings, Lt. Col. Evan Kelly, Dr. Caitrin Kelly, Dr. Erin Kelly and his daughter, Eve Catharine Kelly Scharfenberg, of whom he was infinitely proud.  Visitation hours will be Friday, February 11 from 4-7pm at Covington Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home,  8408 Covington Rd, Fort Wayne, IN.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 12 at 2:00 PM at Canterbury High School,  3210 Smith Rd, Fort Wayne, IN.  If you are unable to join us in person, please join us through this zoom link: https://iu.zoom.us/j/85123500046

Donations

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Threshold Repertory Theater in Charleston.