David Robert "Dave" Kelly

Kelly David Robert "Dave" Kelly, MD, was a loving husband, father and grandfather, caring doctor, proud veteran, athlete, comedian, and best friend. He passed away peacefully at the age of 73 surrounded by his family on Thursday, February 13, 2014. Dave lived with unique passion on so many levels, a passion that his Mom and Dad would say started right out of the gate in Marion, Ohio in 1940. He graduated from Marion Catholic High School in 1958, graduated from the University of Dayton where he served as Class President, and graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1965. Dave was a physician and surgeon at The Ohio State University for over 30 years, interrupted only by his service to his Country in the United States Army from 1970-1972. In Vietnam, Dave was Chief of the Trauma Unit at the 24th Evacuation Hospital, Long Binh Post. His service was a source of pride his entire life. Dave loved his career as a doctor and medical student educator at Ohio State. Among his honors, Dave was the Vice-Chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology and a recipient of the prestigious Honor Award from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He also served multiple terms as President of the American Cancer Society for Ohio and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Physicians for The Ohio State University. He was recognized as an "Outstanding Teacher" by the Department of Otolaryngology, known for his dynamic lectures. He also thoroughly enjoyed the honor and camaraderie of his affiliation with the Sierra Cascade Trauma Society, serving as a member and past President of the Columbus Medical Forum, and being the founding member of the Ohio ENT Surgery Center. Yet, clearly his greatest honor was serving his patients and working with his colleagues at the hospital, from the orderlies and nurses that he shared friendship and laughter with; to the medical residents that he loved teaching, learning from, and playing flag football with; to his fellow doctors he loved and respected. He was known by his patients and friends at the hospital for his warmth, sense of humor, and devotion to the practice of medicine. Dave was also a great teammate and a competitor. Everything he did was with passion, from his high school accomplishments as a State Champion sprinter and a standout in football and basketball, to his drive to play basketball for the University of Dayton, where his coach insisted he not miss his medical labs for basketball practice stating, "You're going to be a better doctor than a basketball player." Still, his passion for athletics continued. Dave played for St. Agatha's softball team for 35 years and won recreational football championships in Vietnam and at Ohio State. His Ohio State team, which included his sons and residents from his Department, represented Ohio State in the National Flag Football Championship five times. Playing sports, golfing, and skiing into his 60's with his kids, grandkids, and friends were some of his greatest joys. With his everlasting spirit of fun and compassion, Dave coined himself "Goofy Grandpa" when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease to alleviate as much pain as he possibly could for his grandchildren that he so dearly loved. His courage and good humor remained intact throughout his battle. Dave is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Patti Bintz Kelly; and his children and 13 grandchildren, Erin (husband, George Buzash and children, Brett and Blaize), Chris (wife, Sandy and children, David "Rex", Cate, and Riley), Matt (wife, Michelle and children, Calin, Jack, Grant, and Mya Jane), and Braden (wife, Lilian and children, Teddy, Bryn, Nate and Tessa). He is also survived by his sisters, Margie (Tom) Jester, Ellen (Roy) Crayton, Jan (Dan) Draper; and his brother, Kevin (Laurie) Kelly. And Patti's sisters, Sue (John) Burkhart, Mary Jo (Joe) Balistreri and their families. Dave was preceded in death by his parents Judge Robert and Margaret Kelly, and his sister Kathleen Kelly Denslow (Phil) and sister-in-law Janie Bintz. The family would like to thank the many friends and caregivers who defined love, compassion, patience, and dedication over the past several years. Patti thinks of all of you with the greatest respect and love. Family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. MONDAY at the RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, OH 43065, (614)-792-1471. (The funeral home is located on W. Olentangy St./Powell Rd./SR 750 1/4 mile east of Sawmill Parkway.) Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014 at ST. JOAN OF ARC CATHOLIC CHURCH, 10700 Liberty Road, Powell, OH 43065. The Reverend James Black, Celebrant. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center, Oh. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dave's name to the Joan Fund for Head and Neck Cancer Research, www.cancer.osu.edu through the James Cancer Hospital or The Ohio State University Department of Neurology for Alzheimer's research, http://neurology.osu.edu/cognitive/alzresearchfund.html. Please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com to send condolences to the Kelly family.