Gainesville, Virginia
Age 85
Edward (Ed) Michael Kelly, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many, died peacefully in his sleep on August 3, 2018 at the age of 85. He was surrounded by family all week at a place he loved dearly the Outer Banks of North Carolina before passing from complications related to metastatic prostate cancer. Ed was a truly special soul with a heart full of kindness and generosity. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
Ed was born in the Bronx, New York to John and Sarah Kelly, both immigrants from Ireland. A graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School and Manhattan College, he began his career as a field engineer with the FAA in New York before relocating to Washington, DC, ascending to leadership positions within the Senior Executive Service and retiring in 1994 after 38 years as a civil servant.
He was an active member of the Vienna, Virginia community for much of his adult life, in particular, as a member of St. Mark Catholic Church, where he was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, ministered to the homebound, taught computer classes to ESL students, volunteered with the social activities committee, participated in the Teams of Our Lady movement, fundraised for the building of the current church, and served on the parish pastoral council for several years. He also coached many of his sons youth basketball and baseball teams.
He loved to travel spending summer vacations in the Outer Banks with family for 45 years, wintering in Naples, Florida for the past 14 years, visiting his parent s homeland of Ireland on multiple occasions, and taking cruises with his wife and friends as often as possible.
Ed s family was his greatest love in life followed closely by the New York Giants and New York Yankees. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Catherine Elder Kelly; six children and their spouses: Michael Kelly (Valerie) of Havre de Grace, MD, Irene Kelly Starrs (Joseph) of South Riding, VA, James Kelly (Jessica) of Warrenton, VA, Thomas Kelly (Evangeline) of Alexandria, VA, Stephen Kelly (Nancy) of Boulder, CO, and Christopher Kelly (Maria) of McLean, VA; nineteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived his brother Joseph Kelly of Scarsdale, NY.
Visitation will occur on Thursday, August 9 from 6-8 p.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, August 10 at 11:00 a.m. Both services will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church in Vienna, VA.
Those who wish may donate in Edward s name to The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins.
Thank you all for all your kind words of love and support. They have been a great source of comfort. He was my beloved companion and software and will be missed.
Cathy Kelly
August 17, 2018 | Gainesville,, VA | Spouse
It was an honor to have Ed as a brother-in-law, and friend. Both Eddie, and Cathy have been blessed,to have found each other, in this big world of ours. Many fine memories! He will be missed.
John Elder: Aventura, Florida
Brother-in-Law
John Elder
August 11, 2018 | Aventura, FL | Family
My Uncle Eddie always greeted me with a kiss, hug and a smile since I was a baby. I never heard an unkind word from him, only encouraging words always cheering you on and asking how you are. A God given GOOD, KIND Man. I feel blessed to have been his Niece. I will love and miss him forever. Thank you Uncle Eddie for being my Guradian Angel in Heaven, until we meet again.
Allison Kelly
August 10, 2018 | Scarsdale, NY | Family
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any mans death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
August 10, 2018 | Kendall Park, NJ | Classmate
Our prayers and love will always glow within our hearts and mind for our beloved brother and uncle. Joe and Carol and family
Joe and Carol Kelly
August 10, 2018 | Scarsdale, NY | Brother
What an amazing Man and beautiful legacy. He will be missed. Our condolences and love to Irene and her family
Kay Prom
August 09, 2018 | Saint Paul, MN | Friend
I worked with Ed from 1987 to 1994 and found him to be a "super" individual. He knew his technical field and he could relate to people in an outstanding manner. Thanks for being there Ed.
Ted Beckloff
August 09, 2018 | Overland Park, KS | Coworker
Ed was a very special man. I so enjoyed getting together with Kathy and Ed in Naples, Florida.
God bless him and his family whom he so loved. Ed was a perfect gentleman, and will be missed.
Lorraine Kelly
August 08, 2018 | Arlington Hts,, IL | Friend
A great Friend & co- team member on numerous national Systems Maintenance Projects , A great contribution to the safety of he National Airways system .
Wayne Long
August 08, 2018 | Georgetown, TX | Friend