Eugene KELLY

,KELLY, Eugene passed away March 29, 2016. He will be missed by his wife Rita Buckhorn; his children, Mark Kelly, Anne Meinhausen, and Susan Kelly Bryan, son-in-law, Lew Meinhausen, and daughter-in-law, Joan Kelly. He also leaves behind 21 nieces and nephews and was the last of the East 4th Street Kelly's. His grandchildren, Corinne and Emily Meinhausen, Christen Kelly, and Molly and Katie Bryan will remember him as a devoted grandpa with endless patience, who entertained them with countless trips to the zoo, the Miniature Horse Farm, and the iced cream parlor. Gene was a great dancer who loved Big Band music and had an amazing ability to 'name that tune.' He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 16, 1927. In his youth, he excelled in basketball and enjoyed summers on the beach at Breezy Point. At 18 years old he joined the Navy then attended St. Francis College where he graduated in 1950. He worked in Naval Intelligence, attended St. John's Law School, and after graduating began a 30 year career as an attorney at Sperry Rand. In 1956 he began a 49 year marriage to Susanne Badger and raised a family on Long Island, New York. He served the community as a Big Brother, a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for children, and a longterm volunteer at Davidson School. Later in life, he was blessed to find love again with Rita, whom he had know in his youth. They danced, played inventive games, and celebrated the full moon. Gene was a devout Catholic and a gifted storyteller who brightened up our lives with unique humor, a kind and helpful nature and his love of life and family. There is no doubt, he is lighting up the heavens with his boundless generosity, clever wit, and those killer dance moves. Services will held a St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2016.