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Dan Kelly Obituary
March 5, 1941 -
June 3, 2011
Dan Richard Kelly, 70, a lifelong Nevada resident and member of one of Sparks' original pioneer families, passed away on June 3, 2011. Dan's great-grandfather was Patrick J. Kelly who owned the Kelly Ranch. Patrick Kelly settled in this area in 1862 coming from Ireland. The ranch was considered one of the most valuable for its size in the entire western portion of the state.
Dan retired in 1991 from the Sparks Police Department with 28 years of service. He was the original member of the Sparks bomb squad and a charter member of the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators. He was recently granted a life membership by this organization. As a young man, he served in the Nevada Army Guard. He was also a charter member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club.
Dan is preceded in death by his father, William H. Kelly, and mother, Edith M. Kelly. Both were very prominent figures in Reno and Sparks history.
Dan is survived by his widow, Susan L. Kelly of Reno; four daughters, Ginel C. Kelly of Reno, Lisa C. Kelly of Sparks, Dana K. Miles and son-in-law Lee M. Miles of Sparks, and Adriann M. Kelly of Seattle, Washington; as well as eight grandchildren, Daniel C. Kelly of Sparks, Laney C. Kelly of Reno, Lyndsay C. Kelly of Sparks, Brandon S. Miles of Sparks, Nicole L. Miles of West Hollywood, California, Sydney G. Miles of Sparks, Chloe M. Armitage of Seattle, Washington, and Abigail R. Leary of Seattle, Washington. Dan also has six great-grandchildren, Kaydence Kelly, Bria Kelly, Kaya Miles, Andon Miles, Brevon Miles and one more on the way. Plus many nieces and nephews who loved him very much.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff of the Northern Nevada Medical Center Intensive Care Unit who tried so hard to save Dan and their kindness to all of us. Special thanks to Dr. John Lemieux and his wonderful staff who were always there for us for many years. With understanding and humor, Dr. Lemieux always knew just how to handle things with Dan.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2011, at the Sparks Christian Fellowship, 510 Greenbrae Dr., Sparks, NV 89431. Officiated by Pastor Randy Siever. A reception will be held at the church immediately following the service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dan Kelly
Michael Henderson
June 5, 2024
RIP Dan, we had a lot of good times. You taught me a lot and I thank you.
Michelle Twichell
June 19, 2011
Dan, I always enjoyed cleaning your teeth at Dr. Mary's office and hearing about your RVing adventures with Susan. Thanks for making me laugh---I will miss our appointments together.
Jamie Warren
June 17, 2011
Uncle Dan! You hold a dear place in my heart... Thank-you for taking me in when no one else did! I love you, and look foward to seeing you again.
MARTY HALL
June 16, 2011
FRIEND ~ YOU WILL BE MISSED BY MANY, BUT I KNOW YOUR IN A GREATER PLACE. YOU SURE HAD A HEART OF GOLD, AND YOU HELPED MANY YOUNGSTERS OUT WHEN THEY WERE IN TROUBLE.
THIS TOWN COULD USE MORE PATROLMAN LIKE YOURSELF. YOU SHOULD ALSO BE COMMENDED FOR JUNK COLLECTING, HA HA, YOU WERE THE
PRESERVER OF LOCAL HISTORY. AS I TOLD YOU
ONCE BEFORE, YOU WERE BORN A CENTURY TO LATE, YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN A COMSTOCK MINER... NEXT TIME IAM AT PYRAMID LAKE WITH A COOL ONE, I'LL BE THINKING OF YOU.
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. MARTY
John Fosmo ( Fos )
June 15, 2011
Dan was one of the greatest guys I have ever met! He was and always will be a legend in my own mind!!! I used to love to work with him while employeed for Sparks P.D. He was one of the few guys there that made working there very very enjoyable. There were numerous great stories that will bring me much comfort over the remaining time my Lord and Savior has for me! I remember racing him many years ago north on Pyramid Lake Highway, headed to the Lake. We were both pulling our camp trailers, but that didn't stop us!! We were a legend in our own minds, by the way I beat him!!! It took about a mile to do so!! Lov ya Dan, Sue and his wonderful family.
Morty Chinnock
June 14, 2011
Mr. Kelly, I only met you twice, The second time that I spent with you and your daughter Ginel will stay etched in my mind forever. I think of that day often, and it always brings a smile to my face.
God Bless You, Morty
Genelle Hanneman
June 14, 2011
Susan and family, My sincerest condolences to all of you, Dan was a wonderful man and always had a smile on his face and was always a pleasure to be around. I haven't seen him for awhile, but feel like it was just yesterday...and Susan, I rememeber when you and he got together while working at the Sparks Municipal Court. He will be truly missed by all that knew him.
Lisa Kelly
June 14, 2011
Daddy i am the luckiest person in the world to have had you as my daddy. Every day with you was an adventure and pure joy.You have given me and the kids Dan, Laney and Lyndsay so many precious memories that we will cherish forever, you will always be our hero and one of a kind. you were truly the greatest and i will miss you dearly every day. With all my love, Lisa.
Niki Hunter
June 14, 2011
Lisa, I babysat you for awhile when you were an infant. I was in high school. Your mom knew my mom, brother, foster brother and I when we lived next door to each other in Sun Valley. I was in high school and living in Sparks when I babysat you. That's how I met your dad. He was a really nice guy. I'd see him from time to time after I stopped babysitting you. The last time I saw him was two years ago at a memorial service for my father-in-law (he died 6/3/09), and I spent some time talking to him. You and your family have my sincerest condolences for your loss. Dan will be missed. I will be unable to attend the memorial service.
Niki Hunter
James & Cindy Stewart
June 14, 2011
Anyone who came into contact with Dan was in an instant filled with laughter and happiness everytime I ran into Dan he was always happy and headed off to see the kids or running off to do odd jobs and even though we did not get to talk much we spoke at Christmas and caught up. I like many people learned a great deal about life and friendship from dan and how to have a good time Susan I am Sorry for your loss the memories I have of him will always bring a smile to my face
June 14, 2011
Dan will always be in our hearts he always had a big smile on his face and he had a very comforting way about him knowing how we felt when we lost our dad. I will miss seeing him. His family will be in our prayers.Sue Gilmer Weeks and family
Laney Kelley
June 14, 2011
I love you pops you are one of a kind, I'm so proud/blessed that you are my grandpa.
Jim Mertins
June 14, 2011
To the family of Dan Kelly, you have my sincere condolences. Dan was a really nice guy and always had many interesting and entertaining stories from his time on the Sparks PD.
Dale Smith
June 13, 2011
Dan you will be missed by all that knew you
Barbara Cave-Sanders
June 13, 2011
Dan, you will be missed. Thanks for the good old days at the PD. You were always a great friend with a wonderful sense of humor who helped us keep our sanity. My condolences to his family.
mike better
June 13, 2011
dano was a gas , he was a great partner, loved his big trucks ,motivated me , and was always a bright spot during my time with SPD, God grant piece to his family !
David Miller
June 13, 2011
My condolances go out to Susan,Lisa, Dana, Daniel and Adrien. Thanks Dan for the great times and wonderful memories.
Laurie Warren
June 13, 2011
Love you uncle Dan
Lori Brioady
June 13, 2011
Dan your heart was as big as life itself. You will be truly missed. I know all your friends from Coyote's are sadden by your passing.
Charlie Michael
June 13, 2011
Dan was a great guy, I am at a loss for words . I wish his family all the best
June 12, 2011
Danny will be greatly missed, he was a good friend and partner. If not for Dan I would have never been given the opportunity to be his partner on the bomb squad, and got to experience many adventures. I made friends all over the world because of him. He taught me a lot about police work and life, most of all how to have fun......I will miss him.
Mike Henderson
Candy Jackson
June 12, 2011
He will be missed by so many people, all who have nothing but wonderful memories. It's amazing how one person can have so many friends and be so loved. My thoughts are with you Susan and the rest of the family
Deb & Brian Burchard
June 12, 2011
He well be missed by so many people, he was such a fun guy, and true friend to anyone that got the chance to befriend him, our heart goes to his family, Debbie and Brian from Coyote's bar and grill
Mitzi Miles-Kubota
June 12, 2011
Dan was a great man and a great father and grandfather. Here's to you, sir. My sincere condolences to the Kelly family.
June 11, 2011
Dan "Dano" was a good friend. He knew everyone in town and would give you a lead as to where to find them. I have often thought of him. I will miss him.
Bob Fregoso Spotsylvania, Virginia
Marc Hunter
June 11, 2011
Dan was a good friend.When my car was impounded,Dan drove me to Portolla to go get it,when no one else would.Dan also shared many stories that were fun to listen to.One that stands out was separator beach.I also remember saying one time,Dan, your about the only cop I ever liked.He looked at me,grinned,and said,Marc,That only because I aint busted you.LOL
June 11, 2011
It was a very sad day on June 3, 2011. Our heartfelt condoloences to Dan's wife, daughters, grandkids and friends. You will be in our hearts forever. Phil & Denise
Donna Smith
June 11, 2011
Dan, you always brought great hugs and smiles. You will forever be missed. Rest in Peace my friend! Donna & Keith Smith
Nora Scarfia
June 11, 2011
Dan you will be remembered every time we go to the cafe. We enjoyed your company and your jokes. My heart goes out to your family God Bless you.
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