Patrick Colin Kelly

1944 - 2021

Patrick Colin Kelly

May 30, 1944 - Nov. 14, 2021

BENICIA, CA - Patrick Colin Kelly, a career airline pilot, West High athlete and inveterate amateur mechanic died, November 14 2021, after an extended illness and a fall. He was 77 years old.

Pat was born in Kansas City, Missouri May 30, 1944, the second of four children. The family soon moved to Madison and settled in a home three blocks south of Regent Street at the corner of Virginia Terrace and Rugby Row. Pat's early education was all within walking distance at Randall School and West Junior & Senior High. His parents, Dr. Stuart Kelly an oral surgeon and Harriet Harris Kelly were active in the Madison community of the 1950's, 60's and 70's. In the summer of 1952 the polio epidemic found its way to Madison and into the Kelly household. Pat and his sisters survived, but their older brother, Michael died. A loss that left its mark on everyone in the family.

Kelly excelled at sports in his youth from baseball on the H&R Variety junior Vilas league team to success as a Golden Gloves and professional boxer. At West High, he played tight end for the undefeated '61 football squad.

His father wanted him to go into dentistry, but Pat choose a different path. After graduating from Kansas State University, Kelly learned that his number was due to be drafted. He had an interest in learning to fly, so he chose to enlist in the Air Force, trained as a pilot and served in Vietnam. He didn't like fighting in war, but retained a lifelong sense of connection with fellow veterans. In the 1970's he began a career as a pilot for Eastern Airlines and US Air, residing in New Hampshire, Vermont, Queens, NY and on a boat in the Bahamas with his wife, Mary Sue. After retirement they moved to northern California to be close to new grandchildren.

As a grandparent, Pat poured tremendous energy into supporting the next generation "He was there whenever I needed him" described his grandson, Tyler Wesley, "If I needed someone to escort me to a tournament, he would travel hours to take me. And he was also there for serious things. I was in an accident and suffered a spinal cord injury, he came and stayed in the hospital, just being present to support me. He was really a mentor and a father figure."

He first married Gigi Kaeser, they have one son, Michael Kelly (Fredrica Drotos). He later married Mary Sue Hutton, they have three children: Amber Kelly (Chris Carvahlo,) Timothy Kelly (Laleh Khadivi,) and Koeun Kelly. He is also survived by grandchildren: Asia, Tyler, Patrick, Wyatt, Keon and Kasra. Also surviving are his sisters: Dr. Kathleen Kelly (Babette Wainwright,) and Karen Wineland of Madison.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother, Michael A. Kelly, and his brother-in-law, and dear friend, Chuck Wineland.

A memorial celebration will be held May 30, 2022 at the Vilas Park Shelter, 1602 Vilas Park Drive, Madison, Noon to 4:00 p.m.