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Clifford James Kellett
Clifford James Kellett
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Clifford Kellett Obituary
Cliff graduated from Chantilly High School in Greenbriar, VA in 1979 and obtained his bachelor's degree from George Mason University in 1985. Cliff's most cherished professional years were spent working for the United States Naval Housing Command, first in Philadelphia and concluding with two postings in the United Kingdom. Cliff retired from the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2022.
Cliff is survived by his wife of nearly 39 years, Eleanor, his five sons - Jim (Sarah), Scott (Gretchen), Aaron (Lauren), Ben (Alexandra), and Jack - and his five grandchildren - Eleanor, Abigail, Sophie, Charlie, and Harper. He is also survived by his father, James, brother, Jeffrey, and sister, Pamela. His mother, Patricia, predeceased him.
Cliff, whose name he was always quick to remind you was spelled "like what you fall off," worked his whole life in service of his family. He enjoyed long hikes, bike rides, and trips with his wife, exploring the world with his overseas work, coaching his kids in any sport they undertook, and filling the rest of his time by fixing something, whether it was broken or not. Later in life Cliff was a proud season ticket holder of the Philadelphia Union and member of the Sons of Ben. He was happiest when he was active.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 2nd 2025 at 10:30am at Christ Church Ridley Park, 104 Nevin Street, Ridley Park, PA 19078. A luncheon will follow for all in attendance at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to Neighborhood Bike Works https://neighborhoodbikeworks.org/donate and/or the Ridley Park food pantry https://www.ridleyparkumc.org/food-pantry-donations/ .
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Alice Ridenhour McCoy
August 5, 2025
Senior Prom with Cliff Kellett, Mike Fleming and our dates. My heart still aches. I still can't believe he is no longer here. He was such a good friend.
Alice McCoy
July 21, 2025
Cliff and I at Chantilly High School. He was such a good friend. I know he touched so many lives.
Pam Kellett Woods
July 19, 2025
I love him so much.
Isabelle Oldford
July 11, 2025
Cliff was such a constant in my life. I have known him for more than 40 years. He was my "go to officer" when I worked for Navy housing as he worked at headquarters. I remember the days we attended housing seminars. It was not just a learning time. It was a fun time because we all got together after school hours and enjoyed everyone´s company who attended. I will miss our chats on the internet and will keep his wife and family in my prayers. I am pretty devastated by this news.
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DT
July 2, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of God, family and friends. Please find comfort in the words found at Isaiah 61:1,2.
Mary Lemon
July 1, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Kellett family. Cliff and Eleanor have been the Best neighbors one could ask for. I watched their kids grow up, welcomed each grandchild and spent so many good times next door. Cliff was such a Presence - in the neighborhood, in the community. And in Life itself. Truly living it. I'll miss Cliff's sense of humor, his smile and cheery greetings. I'll definitely miss his hot cider (with rum) which he prepared for Eleanor and me as we sat outside to hand out candy to the goblins, princesses and assorted other characters on Halloween. Cliff will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Godspeed, Cliff. You're with the angels now.
Elizabeth
July 1, 2025
Costa Rica
Elizabeth
July 1, 2025
Hiking
Elizabeth
July 1, 2025
The Poconos
Elizabeth
July 1, 2025
Long Wood Gardens
Elizabeth Jones
July 1, 2025
Wayne Rothermel
July 1, 2025
Cliff took a big chance on hiring me out of the hotel / restaurant sector for a professional development position with the Navy Unaccompanied Housing / Lodging Program at NORTHDIV NAVFAC. Someone mentioned his wit and fun nature, so my example i can share is that during my first day(s) on the NORTHDIV job, he casually mentions over lunch to me that he's moving to England in a couple of weeks. I must have had a look of shock on my face , so he says don't worry, I've got a replacement lined up to be your boss. From that moment on he became the big brother i never had and ended the shortest boss/ employee relationship of my career
Jim Drake
June 30, 2025
I remember Cliff from Jr. High in Springfield, IL. Great guy. Many fond memories. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and best wishes for your family.
Jim Drake
Pat Kahmer
June 30, 2025
Michael Chang
June 30, 2025
Our sincere condolences to the Kellett family. May he rest in peace.
-Michael and Casey Chang
Amy Lovenguth
June 30, 2025
Paula LaFollette
June 30, 2025
Eleanor, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We go back many years, I remember when you were married and later when son married. Cliff would constantly speak of you and the boys, how proud he was. He will be missed
Paula LaFollette
June 30, 2025
Mark and Kathy Simmons
June 30, 2025
Although we didn´t know Cliff well personally, we've had the privilege of knowing his son Jim, who has been a wonderful husband to our sister and a devoted father to our nieces and nephew. The kind of man Jim is speaks volumes about the values and love that were instilled in him. We have no doubt that Cliff´s legacy will live on through the lives of the sons he and Eleanor raised so beautifully. He will be deeply missed. Praying for the family through this difficult time.
Paul Whiteley
June 30, 2025
Cliff in his Watford FC jersey, and off for a charity ride with colleagues in the U.K.
Christopher Cline
June 30, 2025
I have been an outstationed Philly HOC employee in Boston since 1998. Although I met Cliff only once in my travels to Philly over the years...I exchanged emails and spoke with Cliff on the phone on many occasions. He was always pleasant and very helpful. My heartfelt condolences go out to Cliff's wife, family and friends. May you all find some comfort in the fond memories you shared together.
Amy Lovenguth
June 30, 2025
Scott Willson
June 30, 2025
Very experienced and valuable member of the HUD REO team before he retired. Wonderful person, down to earth, great to talk to about many subjects, great family that he was proud of- and my best memories of Cliff were going to the Philadelphia Union soccer games with him and sitting in the "Sons of Ben" section while cheering on our local Union team.
Deby Harrow
June 29, 2025
Cliff and I became friends working in the REO department at HUD. He truly was a nice person. He will be missed and my prayers go out to his family. Rest in peace, Cliff.
David Fortune
June 29, 2025
Dear family, we are heartbroken for your loss. Cliff has been a great husband, father, brother, son, and friend. He leaves an amazing family, and has been a blessing to many lives. We love you all!
Susan DaBell
June 29, 2025
To me, Cliff was a shining star in our Navy Housing family. I admired his wit and energy and ready smile. I am truly saddened by his loss and wish the best for his cherished family.
Tom Mettinger
June 29, 2025
So sorry for your loss. A true gentleman, he will be missed.
Dr. Sharon Davidheiser
June 29, 2025
My sincere condolences to the whole family. I didn´t know Cliff, but I know Scott whose character and kindness is certainly a tribute to any father. He clearly had a great example! Deep peace to you all.
Gayle chapman
June 29, 2025
So sorry for the entire family. I worked at London's HQ when Cliff was at the activity his 2nd tour. He would ride his bike downtown London which I thought was crazy. What a huge loss for Eleanor and all the kids. Gayle Chapman
steven hedgeland
June 29, 2025
I have sat here for 3 hours trying to decide what to write about Cliff - a colleague and mentor for his 2 UK tours as housing boss - but also very much a respected friend. Very sad to hear of his passing - my thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Julie Hughes
June 28, 2025
So sorry to hear of this news. My condolences to the family and friends. I remember Cliff as always smiling and a big likable personality. He was my boss in West Rislip England and he was great to work for. He taught me a lot and gave me opportunity and encouragement to take on additional things. He was great to work for always friendly and positive. He will be missed. Julie Hughes
Alice McCoy
June 28, 2025
To Cliff's wife, sons, grandkids and the rest of his family, I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Cliff and his twin brother, Jeff, in High school. Cliff and I had so much fun our Senior year. We were always looking for fun and adventures. He was so sweet and kind. I will really miss him. It feels like a piece of my heart has been ripped out. But, I know he will be looking down on you from heaven. It may not be much comfort now but, you now have a special angel who will be watching over you, guiding you and protecting you. My deepest condolences to Cliff's entire family.
Sarah Kellett
June 28, 2025
Maryanne Sarik
June 28, 2025
My deepest sympathies and prayers for the Kellet family. This breaks my heart. They are the best neighbors anyone could ever ask for.
Kathleen Schlichting
June 28, 2025
Eleanor, Bob and I are so shocked to hear about Cliff. Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Rest peacefully Cliff
Carol
June 28, 2025
I met Cliff in high school. What a happy, playful energy he held. He and Jeff would occasionally trade places in the classrooms, and what a hoot that would be! I am shocked, but I understand how heaven would desire his joyfulness.
Much love to all that will be missing him .
Carol (Emerson) Moore, Chantilly Class of 79
Amy Cahill
June 28, 2025
Our condolences for the whole family. Cliff is the reason Brendan and I joined the Sons of Ben. He invited us to join him and his son Jim at a tailgate we just happened to stumble upon a few years ago. His passion to live life through the stories he shared with us is what we always loved about Cliff.
Bob Kass
June 28, 2025
I´m in shock, just happened to be scrolling through Facebook and saw this. My condolences to Eleanor and the family. Cliff was a good man. I´m feel for your loss.
Ruth and aCharliecStraley
June 28, 2025
Condolences to Cliff´s wife, children and grandchildren and remaining family members. He was such an energetic man. We live in a small town in West Virginia. One day we opened the door to a hug from Cliff who had a coworker with him. We were shocked that he´d found us and took time to drop in for a visit. He and Charlie told stories on Navy adventures they shared and had some great laughs. He had to leave shortly but that short period showed how much Cliff valued long time friends. Our last visit is a wonderful loving memory. RIP Cliff.
Paul Whiteley
June 28, 2025
The MAN and his Cannondale.... fond memories of Cliff during his time in England.
Kelly Duncan
June 28, 2025
So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Kelly Duncan
LaurieAnne Lusk Wessel
June 28, 2025
My deepest sympathies to his beautiful wife, Eleanor. His five boys. He was so proud of his family and his grandkids. You´re gonna missed dearly. I talked to a few of his friends today and everybody agrees that it´s a huge empty spot now in our hearts and our soul. I just pray that God watches over him his family. He will be deeply missed.
Mike and Donna Fleming
June 28, 2025
So sorry to hear about Cliff. We were shocked. We will certainly remember all the good times and special memories.
Love,
Mike and Donna Fleming
Rich Howard
June 28, 2025
just heard about Cliff's passing. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to El and all your family. He will forever hold a special place in my life and won't be forgotten.
Simeon Hahn
June 28, 2025
RIP Clifford.. it was always a pleasure catching up and being in your company. I'll miss you.
Larry & Jeanne Fortune
June 28, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Michelle
June 28, 2025
So many memories -praying for all of you
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