Edward M. Kelly

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Edward M. "Ned" Kelly, 91, formerly of Northumberland, Pa., died Sunday, July 23, 2006, in Flagstaff.

He was born Sept. 6, 1914, in Northumberland, a son of the late Harry K. and Esther (Dauberman) Kelly. His wife, the former Emma Leisenring, formerly of Northumberland, preceded him in death.

Mr. Kelly was a 1932 graduate of Northumberland High School.

He held a variety of jobs, working his way through college and supporting his family, including working on the Pennsylvania Railroad and filling various educational and research positions at Pennsylvania State University, the University of Maine, and Brown University.

In 1943, he received his bachelor's degree from Penn State and his master's degree two years later.

He received his doctoral degree in physics from Brown University in 1950 and shortly after that moved to California, where he worked in physics research at Arrowjet.

He later took a position as physics professor at California Polytechnic University for 27 years; part of that time he served as head of the physics department.

Mr. Kelly enjoyed outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, and was a member of the West End Mounted Posse in San Bernardino County, California. He spent much of his free time working on physics research and had several papers published in physics journals. He completed two papers in the last few months of his life.

Mr. Kelly was an outstanding example of a self-made man interested in advancing science. His life was a testament to hard work and vision.

Surviving are a daughter, Wendy Grissom of Arizona; two grandchildren; and three sisters, Geraldine Wozney of Beltsville, Md., Eleanor Williamson of Northumberland, and Julia Kane of Sunbury, Pa.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his wife, was a son, Charles; a sister, Margaret; and three brothers, Karl, Robert and John.

At Mr. Kelly's request, no services will be held.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary, Arizona.