Raymond Anthony Kelly, MBA, 53, Vice President at Eurofins Company, passed away April 13, 2021, suddenly at home. He was a specialist in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), sizing up companies for possible purchase.

Raymond was born in Carndonagh County Donegal Ireland on Jan. 4, 1968, to parents Seamus and Bridie (O'Donnell) Kelly. He attended grade school at the Fransciscan College, Gormanston in Co. Meath, until age 17, after which he went to University College Dublin for a degree in mechanical engineering, graduating in 1991. He earned a Security Exchange stockbroker license in New York City in 1994.  He then worked for several companies (Novum refrigeration, Smith and Wollensky restaurant in Manhattan and La Cite; and Chatfield Dean stockbrokers in NYC).  Back in Ireland, he became Managing Director of LMS Oil Co. (Family-Owned Shell Franchise) in Sligo, from 1994-2001. Raymond earned a Diploma in Applied Finance from the Irish Management Institute in Dublin in 2000.

He married Brighid Tara Brooks on Sept. 17, 1999 at St. Thomas the Apostle in Chester Heights PA. The couple started out in Sligo, Ireland, but came back to North Carolina in 2001 so he could attend Duke University Fuqua School of Business, where he focused on Finance Subjects, was Vice President of their Energy Club, and was an active member of Finance, Venture Capital, and MBA Charity Games Clubs. After graduating in 2003 with his MBA in hand, he started working for Eastman Chemical in Tennessee, in their M&A department, then for Kingspan Co. based near Baltimore MD.

For the last 4+ years, Raymond worked for the multinational company Eurofins with North American headquarters in Lancaster PA. It owns various types of testing laboratories around the world, as Vice President of Corporate Development with a focus on M&A, commanding a group of 5 assistants. His company has the following remarks: "Raymond was extremely accomplished and highly talented in corporate development and finance. He had a huge personality and a quick wit, and he used his skills very effectively. He was deeply valued by his team, fellow leaders in the US, and peers globally. He was highly respected for his knowledge, passion, and devotion to his work, as well as his selfless service to Eurofins. After he joined Eurofins in July 2016, he had an immediate impact on the trajectory of the business in North America. He spearheaded dozens of acquisitions, including three of our largest acquisitions, positioning us as a market leader in many of the industries we serve. We will remember Raymond for his many accomplishments, but even more so for his friendship and the many interesting and engaging interactions we had with him through the years. Raymond will be deeply missed by all who knew and worked with him".

Raymond's strength was his ability to read those thick financial statements and other company documents and truly understand what the company was worth, what their cash flow and debt was, and whether it was worth recommending for purchase. Following on the decision, Raymond was a great negotiator, often travelling to Japan, Canada, Belgium, other parts of Europe, or even Brazil a few years back. He was in his element when conducting these deals.

Personally, Raymond was known for his huge smile, great laugh, funny jokes, and one-liners, and truly enjoying other people. He had a knack for remembering everyone's names and what they did. He absolutely loved parties, often entertaining at his house mingling and chatting with everyone. He was an expert sailor and dabbled in wine-making. Raymond was a consummate gentleman, a faithful friend, a devoted husband of 20 years, and a kind and doting father. He will be sorely missed by family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Brighid (Brooks) and their three children Seamus 17, Kathleen Rose 14, and Brighid Veronica 11; by his mother Bridie; and by his brothers Dr. Cathal, Brian, Dr. Seamus, and Conor, all in Ireland.

Visitation: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 9:45-10:45 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 430 Valleybrook Rd. Glen Mills, PA 19342

Funeral Mass: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church - This Service will be livestreamed at https://staparishgm.org/live-stream-mass

Burial: St. Thomas the Apostle Cemetery, Glen Mills, PA

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to a charity that feeds the poor - "Cityteam in Chester" which can be accessed at https:/cityteam.org.

Condolences: www.nolanfidale.com

Service Location St. Thomas The Apostle Church Get Directions

Begins: Apr 21, 2021 11:00am - 12:00am

430 Valleybrook Road Glen Mills, PA 19342 Cemetery Location St. Thomas The Apostle Cemetery Get Directions

Apr 21, 2021 12:15pm - 12:30pm

430 Valleybrook Road Glen Mills, PA 19342 Condolences