Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
George Kelley Obituary
George Tomlinson Kelley, a life-long resident of Westchester County died peacefully in his sleep at home in Hartsdale on February 9, 2012 surrounded by his family after a long and courageous illness.
He was born on February 10, 1926 in Mt. Vernon, N.Y. to the late Mary Frances and Edward Jeremiah Kelley of Scarsdale, N.Y.
He attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Grammar School in Scarsdale and a basketball scholarship took him to Newman Prep in Lakewood N.J. He transferred to Iona Prep in New Rochelle, NY and captained both baseball and football teams for two years and was voted M.V.P. in football and lettered in basketball, swimming, track and tennis. George graduated in 1944 and received a record number of college scholarships. It is expected that an outstanding high school student and athlete would receive several scholarship offers from interested colleges, but George received a record of 18 from such schools as Princeton, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Duke, Alabama and Holy Cross. Before accepting any of these offers George entered the Army Air Corps.
George graduated with a degree in economics from The College of Holy Cross in 1950 where he was a standout athlete. While at Holy Cross George was awarded a contract to play baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1950, he was drafted by The Boston Braves of the National League and Los Angeles Rams of the American League in football. He continued his studies at Teachers College at Columbia University earning M.A. degrees in education, physical education and health.
In 1957, he accepted a math teacher position at Iona Prep where he also coached football, baseball and swimming. In 1958, he joined the faculty of Eastchester High School where he taught math and coached junior and varsity football. He retired in 1988. From 1970-1984 George was a football official and referee with the catholic and public school leagues. Following his retirement, George was a crossing guard for the Greenburgh Police Department.
Loving and devoted husband of 53 years to Gerri Sullivan of Larchmont, NY, together they raised seven children: Gerri Ogren and Jeff of South Salem, Jeanne Carney and Chris of Newtown, CT, Jacqueline Bohmert and Steve of Ramsey, N.J., George Kelley II and Marie of Orland Park, IL, Marianne Kelley and fianceé, Michael Lynch of Nantucket, MA, Kevin Kelley and Chimene of Montvale, NJ, and Kathryn Ciriello and Roger of Brookfield, CT. George will be missed by his 17 grandchildren: Shane and Kyle Ogren, Kelley-Anne, Kevin, Meaghan and James Carney, Brian, Kathleen and Bridget Bohmert, Jack and Thomas Kelley, Brendan and Ryane Kelley and Timothy, Mary, Daniel and Grace Ciriello and thirteen nieces and nephews. His brothers Richard and Edward predeceased him.
George and his wife have been parishioners of Sacred Heart Church in Hartsdale for fifty years where he volunteered with the CCD program and other aspects of the church, including membership of The Holy Name Society and The Knights of Columbus.
The wake will be held at Bennett Funeral Home Scarsdale, N.Y. Saturday 2-6 PM Sunday 2-6 PM . The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 13, 2012 at Sacred Heart Church, Hartsdale, N.Y.
The burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in White Plains.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either The Alzheimer's Association or Iona Preparatory School scholarship fund in George's memory.
Edwin L. Bennett Funeral Homes
824 Scarsdale Ave
Scarsdale, New York 10583
914-725-1137
www.elbennettfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Kelley
Million dollar smile, when we all had hair.
Gene Castelli
February 28, 2012
Just found out, deepest sympathies to all, from an old childhood friend of the family. Million dollar smile that lit up the neighborhood. Great memories (especially when we had hair)
Brian Bohmert
February 17, 2012
Papa was an amazing person who touched the lives of many people. He was one of the most kind and gentle people I have ever met. He looked like a movie star, was good enough to be a professional athlete, yet he chose to be a teacher/family man. I will miss him dearly. Love you Papa.
Bridget Bohmert
February 16, 2012
The moments I have shared with my papa are so memorable and ones i will never forget. I remember Papa being just the happiest guy in the world who always had a smile on his face which could be seen from miles away! He always made it clear that he loved you; whether he gave you a hug, a kiss, held your hand, or simply just used the strong and meaningful words "I love you!" His bright blue eyes always glared when my family and I sang him songs in the nursing home and though he didn't talk much his smile always made you feel extremely good! Papa, though you are in heaven, I will never forget you and you will always remain in my heart! I love you so much and as you used to say: "Behave yourselves!" This isn't goodbye but simply see you later!
Love, Bridget Anne Bohmert (A.K.A your nickname for me...(Peanut!)
Jim Knipper
February 14, 2012
Jeanne, Chris, James, Kevin, Kelly- Anne, Meghan and Kelley family;
Very sorry to hear the news and we wish you the best during this difficult time. God Bless!
Jim and Cathy Knipper
Tom Kelley
February 13, 2012
Although I never really got to get to know Grandpa, I know he loved me and all of the cousins. All of the stories I heard about him this weekend have helped and reassured me know that my grandpa was more than just a grandpa. Miss you, love you, and see you in Heaven. :)
Paul F. Cutrupi
February 13, 2012
Our Deepest Condolences.
Paul F. Cutrupi & Family, Class of 1963, EHS.
Thomas D'Andrea
February 13, 2012
To Aunt Gerry and all the beloved Kellys. So sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle George. He was one of the most genuinely kind and charitable people I have ever met -- someone whose kindness of heart and generosity of spirit could not fail to inspire and to lift up everyone whom he touched: I am happy and most grateful to count myself one of those. May he continue to guide and inspire you and all of us who are in his debt from Heaven, as he assuredly will. With all condolence,
Tony Fusco
February 12, 2012
Gerri, Jeanne, Jackie and the entire Kelley Family:
I remember coach Kelley well, from our days at EHS and even EJHS (because he was the coach who was father to our fellow classmate). I don't ever remember a day where he didn't smile. He walked the halls with a bounce in his step and a smile on his face. Whether you had him as a teacher, a phys ed instructor or a team coach, he was always positive and upbeat.
I can only imagine what a great dad and husband he must have been.
My prayers are with you all, and know that you will meet him again in the Grace and Glory of God. Until then keep his memory alive by telling his story to your children and your children's children.
With deepest sympathy,
Tony Fusco
EHS 1978
February 12, 2012
Jackie, Steve and the entire Kelly Family,
Allison and I consider ourselves fortunate to have known your Dad. He truly exemplified a life well lived and left us all a great example to follow. We pray that God's Perfect Peace surround you all.
Ed & Allison Jarvis
Tom Lindgren
February 12, 2012
My Dad officiated with George for many years and worked during the summers with him at Winward Day Camp.
George was a good friend and a wonderful man.
He will be missed.
February 12, 2012
A wonderful teacher and example to all the EHS students.
Collleen Molloy Gallagher
Class of 1971
John Pires
February 12, 2012
To All the Kelley Family...You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jane Woods
February 12, 2012
What a life!!! After reading that beautiful tribute I am sad that I didn't know him when he was younger! We pray that God eases your pain by remembering the best times with a smile and a laugh. May He also comfort you with his warm embrace. Love and prayers to the entire Kelley family.
February 11, 2012
Though you know that we can not be physically with you at this difficult time, you are all in our hearts and prayers. With much love.
Anthony, Cory and family.
Anthony Benigno
February 11, 2012
I am very sorry to hear about your passing. You were in the Class of 1944 at Iona Prep, and I followed you 18 years later as a member of the Class of 1962. You were a unique Iona man in many ways. You were a star football player on the 1943 team that was undefeated and allowed only one touchdown all season. You graduated from the Prep in 1944 and returned to Iona Prep as an assistant coach under Joe Lamas during the 1957 season. The following year you moved a few miles up the road to Eastchester High School. Years later, you refereed Iona Prep football games. You were a student, player, coach, and then a referee for Iona Prep. That's really amazing!
We were both members of the Westchester County Football Officials Association, and I worked many games with you over the years. You were a good man to work with on the field. I remember mentioning that you reminded me of Buster Crabbe, and you told me that you met him in person in a bar in Mamaroneck, across the street from the high school.
Wikipedia has an article on Iona Prep, and the 1943 football team is mentioned in the article. You played on that team.
I had not seen you in person in many years, but I thought of you often. Rest in peace.
February 11, 2012
Michael "Rick" Spinell, Class of '62, sends condolences to the whole Kelley family. Coach Kelley was a special person to me and to all the student athletes who were lucky enough to play for him. There was a pivotal moment in our years together that I will share with everyone shortly.
Steve Niss
February 11, 2012
I am a 1962 graduate of Eastchester High School and Coach Kelley made a difference in my life. I shall always be greatful.
February 11, 2012
To The Kelley Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. He will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Margaret and Frank Sutfin
Henry & Jasmin Yordan
February 11, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kelley family. George not only left foot prints on this earth he also left them in our hearts!
Annette, Adam and Sophie Flax
February 11, 2012
Dear Marianne and all the Kelleys,
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. We remember fondly the fun conversations we had with him in the kitchen as he was making his lunch! Such a great man with a wonderful spirit. He'll be missed. Please know we are thinking of you all.
Georgia Patterson
February 11, 2012
To my dear Gerri-Peggy and your beautiful family... I have loved my cousin George since my tenth summer, when I was blessed to be visiting from Boston, and was included in some of your very first dates: the Manor Beach Club, the Bronx Zoo, and so many other happy days. I thought George was a movie star, for obvious reasons!, and I fell in love with him for life. My prayer and wish for all of you, now, is that the hundreds of thousands of memories of happy family times will serve to ease the pain and heartache of his illness and death. My comfort is that I know for certain they will! George Tomlinson Michael Kelley has left an ongoing and unending legacy to this world: his wife, his children, your families, and the loving warmth of his gracious spirit. There is an African belief that no one ever truly dies until the very last murmer of their name, or a memory, has been uttered by anyone who ever knew, or even just simply heard a story of, the person. Therefore, I believe, Love Never, Ever Dies! May God bless all of you with his choicest blessings, at this saddest of times, and may He provide you the strength, and peace of heart and mind, that you all so well deserve. You took such good and loving care of him, and now he is shining down upon you, and will forever more. I love you from the depth of my heart.
February 11, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time...with much love, Kathi, Peter, Michael and Samantha Mastroianni
Marianne Buono Hubbell
February 11, 2012
Very sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jerry,Joanne,Jeremy Kelley
February 10, 2012
Thinking of you all and remembering how blessed we all were for having been a part of Uncle George's life. What a beautiful legacy he left behind in all of you. He will forever be in our hearts.
The Bergeron Family
February 10, 2012
May your faith and the love of your family and friends give you strength during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Erica Levine
February 10, 2012
Dear Jackie & Steve and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
It is very difficult to loss a loved one. I know this is such a very difficult time, which time will help heal. Keep him alive in your heart, mind and sole by holding onto all the wonderful memories you have of him. You will always love him and he will always be loving you from above. My thoughts are with you. May he rest in peace.
Nancy Doetsch-Conway
February 10, 2012
My wonderful Uncle George... The memory of his beautiful smile and sparkling eyes will forever bring a smile to my face. We have 1 more angel watching over us. I hope he is sitting next to my Mom and I hope they make good coffee in heaven! XOXO
Nancy Doetsch Conway and Family
Kristin Palumbo
February 10, 2012
You all are in our prayers, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. Sending prayers to all!
Laurie and Tony Villanueva
February 10, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Make a Donation
in George Kelley's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for George Kelley
How to support George's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor George Kelley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
