Harold B. "Hal" KELLEY Jr.

FUNERAL HOME

Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home - Wethersfield

1276 Berlin Turnpike

Wethersfield, Connecticut

Harold KELLEY Obituary

KELLEY, Harold B., Jr. "Hal" Harold B. "Hal" Kelley, Jr. 90, of Hartford, died, Tuesday (October 19, 2010) at Avery Heights. He was born in East Hartford, son of the late Harold B. Kelley, Sr. and Dorothea (Ellenberg) Kelley. Hal served in the U.S. Army/Air Force in communications for 21 years on a lifetime adventure most would envy. He served as Station Manager of the American Forces Network putting him in the path of some of the most famous people of the 20th Century. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, and interviewed notables such as Audrey Hepburn and he owns the distinction of being the first American broadcaster to interview the Fab Four Beatles prior to them coming to the U.S. Upon his discharge, Hal continued as Station Manager in a civilian capacity. In 1990 he moved to Nashua, NH where he did volunteer work for AARP "55 ALIVE", and he also volunteered at the Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, ME for a number of years commuting from Nashua. He also volunteered at Hanscom Air Force Base, counseling retirees for the military. He was an avid square dancer and a member of the "Border City Squares" in Nashua. He was awarded many military awards, including the Army Commendation Medal for Air Force duty with AFN and the Joint Service Commendation Medal for Hollywood and Pentagon duty with AFRTS, the AFRTS "Director's Award" and a Department of Army commendation for superior performance as AFN-Bremerhaven Station Manager. He was a former Toastmaster and member of the Armed Forces Broadcaster Association. In addition to all of the above Hal was a gentleman and a very charitable individual. He is survived by cousins, Charlotte Bacon of Wethersfield, Beverly Bacon, Jeanne Timrud, Edward C. Bacon, III, James Bacon and all their families and his foster brother Robert Trimble. The family is deeply appreciative of the friendships and the care he received by the staff at Avery Heights and Hartford Hospital. The funeral will be Saturday (October 23, 2010), 11 a.m. in Rocky Hill Congregational Church, 805 Old Main St., Rocky Hill with the Rev. Donna A. Manocchio officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Goshen Center Cemetery, Goshen. Friends may call at the Church Saturday, prior to the funeral, 10:30 - 11 a.m. Contributions in his memory may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. To share a memory with the family, please visit, www.dillonbaxter.com.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Oct. 21, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Harold KELLEY

11 Entries

Bob Nelson

December 8, 2010

My memories of Hal are mixed and many. We first met in 1970 when I became his NCOIC of AFN Kasierslautern. Hal was quiet, I never heard him raise his voice, and his background was impreccable - he had been there and had done that. He allowed his staff to use their talent both to grow personally and to better entertain their audience. For those in the K-town/Ramstein area in early 70's - check out Clairborne, the baby elephant. It's a good story. Thanks Hal.

December 6, 2010

I have fond memories of Hal from years at AFN Europe in the 1980's. While I was at Frankfurt and he was at Bremerhaven and SHAPE, it was always good to talk with him. It was also a blast to play portions of his radio interviews from the early 1960's with 4 lads with their wild, mop-top haircuts on the tarmac at Paris' Charles DeGaulle Airport. Of course, the four unknown lads would be unknown to the world for just a short time more as the Beatles were about to reshaoe and rock the music world. Thanks and rest in peace Hal. Your candor and professionalism are remembered by many.

Terry Anderson

December 6, 2010

I didn't know Hal personally but benefitted from his hard work at American Forces Network Europe. I didn't join the network until 1993 but heard stories and saw pictures of Hal and his station in SHAPE. His talent and professionalism set the standard for all broadcasters that followed in his footsteps. He will be missed by many but never forgotten. Our prayers go out to Hal and his extended family.

Dave Malone

December 6, 2010

Hal was my hero as well as my mentor while serving as his station NCOIC (Non Commissioned Officer in Charge) at SHAPE. A true professional in every sense of the word. He was much admired by myself as well by my son and daughter during our tour when they were in their teens. As me, they will be so sad to learn of his passing. May he rest in peace

Kenneth Washington

December 6, 2010

I had the honor and privilege of working for and getting to know Hal Kelley, while assigned to AFN-SHAPE from Feb 80 to Feb 84. He was a wonderful man with great insight. Hal, Rest In Peace.

Joe Vasquez

October 22, 2010

I first met Hal when he was my station manager in SHAPE, Belgium 1985. Hal took time to encourage initiative, edit redundant clauses, and lead by example. The time spent around Hal Kelley, in Belgium '85-'88 and several visits to Nashua is priceless. I could listen to his stories ( about the Beatles, being on the set of "The Longest Day", his days in Paris, the early days of AFN and the characters such as Bill Safire or Mark White (AFN Berlin), over and over. Hal Kelley is a hero, my hero. I am proud to have served under him and to have been his friend.

Beverly Buotte

October 22, 2010

I knew Harold from NARFE Chapter 1540 in Nashua, NH. Harold was a very interesting person with many stories. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.

October 22, 2010

I have fond memories of Hal from my youth. He was a good and caring man with a great sense of humor.

October 22, 2010

I knew Harold from exercising in Nashua. He was a wonderful, caring, compassionate man who made me smile every time we communicated. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Sincerely, Lisa Nogueira

October 21, 2010

I knew Hal when he was a member of Nashua NARFE Chapter 1540. Some years ago the chapter used to sponsor annual trips to the Trolley Museum and Hal would "drive" us on a trolley ride. He was a very interesting person with a fascinating past. As Chapter Newsletter editor I will make our members aware of Hal's passing. I extend sincere sympathies for your loss.

Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home

October 21, 2010

Our sincere sympathies for your loss.

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