Gerald Edward Kelso

Gerald Edward Kelso, who resided in Annandale, Virginia, died January 16, 2026. He was the second of ten children, born to Ruth and Ed Kelso on May 25, 1956.

Gerry attended St. Camillus grammar school in Silver Spring, MD and Groveton High School in Alexandria, VA, graduating in 1974. After high school, Gerry hiked the entire Appalachian Trail, then enlisted in the U. S. Navy. After serving two years in the Navy, he started a tree service under the name of Blue-Sky Tree Care. Gerry was a knowledgeable arborist, specializing in cultivation, management, and care of trees and shrubs. He used a unique truck and performed difficult tree maneuvers, being especially adept at pruning and removing fallen trees. Gerry loved being an arborist, studying and planting trees and shrubs of all kinds and volunteering his services to assist communities after hurricanes and bad storms. That was his passion.

Gerry relished the outdoors. He enjoyed birdwatching, camping, fishing, and hiking. His favorite location for these activities was in Assateague Island, MD.

Additionally, Gerry attended St. Leo's Catholic Church and joined the Knights of Columbus in 2008. He became a third-degree Knight with the Fr. Diamond Council. Gerry was also active in the Catholic community, assisting the Knights of Columbus with their annual Christmas tree sales and devoting time and energy to charitable organizations, food ministries, as well as shelters.

Gerry is preceded in death by his parents and two siblings: Edward and Ruth Kelso, John Kelso (Laura Garvin), and Brenda Stefanelli (Pete Stefanelli). Seven siblings survive him: Regina (Steven) Bennett, Vincent Kelso, Gregory Kelso, Anne Kelso (Chuck), Laura (Carl) Schwertz, Eileen (Mike) Sadik, Michael (Candice) Kelso. He leaves behind nine nephews and nieces: Shawn (Emily), Heather (Zach), Ryan (Sierra), Zach, Julia, Dominic, Daniel, and Catherine.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Leo the Great, 3700 Blenheim Blvd, Fairfax, Virginia, April 17,2026 at 11:00am. This will be followed by a private interment at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia.

Donations may be made to the following organizations, and your generosity is appreciated.

S.O.M.E (So Others May Eat) https://give.some.org

Poor Clare Monastery https://poorclaresofalexandria.org/