Joseph Kelly Obituary

Joseph Luther Kelly ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Dr. Joseph Luther Kelly, 53, of Annapolis, died Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 in a single engine airplane crash in Edgewater, Md. Dr. Kelly was born in Norfolk and was a graduate of the Norfolk Academy. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and attended the University of Virginia Medical School. He did his residency in internal medicine at the University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell in New York City. He worked as an emergency room physician and hospitalist in New York City, Tappahannock, Va., and Norfolk. For the past seven years, he worked as a medical officer in the Hospital and Ambulatory Policy Group at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working primarily on hospital issues. Dr. Kelly was an avid sailor and loved to fly. Over the past year, he volunteered in the Veterans Airlift Command, a non-profit organization that provides free air transportation to wounded veterans for medical and compassionate purposes, with priority on the veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dr. Kelly also looked forward to his regular squash games at the Naval Academy. Survivors include two sisters, Mary Nash Rusher of Raleigh, N.C., and Leeny Oberg of Bethesda, Md.; brothers-in-law, John Rusher and Keith Oberg; and six beloved nieces and nephews, Tom, David and Kelly Rusher and Colleen, Curtis and Tim Oberg. A service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, March 6, at 1 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1004 Graydon Ave., Norfolk. The family will receive friends at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club on Hampton Boulevard after the service. Arrangements are being handled by Pumphrey Funeral Homes, www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Airlift Command, 5775 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 700, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 or Norfolk Academy, 1585 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Mar. 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Kelly

12 Entries

March 23, 2010

Mary Nash, I just heard about this today. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you, and you are in my prayers.

Bob Jessup

Matt Johnson

March 8, 2010

I will never forget Joe's friendly face and joy for life. He was one of the first people I met in Charlottesville. So many awesome memories of Oyster roasts, IM lacrosse, squash and ultimate frisbee- hard to believe we were in med school together. He was a thoughtful and generous spirit. His warmth and energy will never be forgotten.

liz scheffee

March 8, 2010

Joe came to visit Portland "out of the blue" several times; he was a fun and observant man. I was just thinking about him this morning (it was his exclaim over a fish chowder we made together)and i will keep that happy thought and make the chowder in his honor. my love to his family.

sam mcgann

March 6, 2010

I was part of that sailing trip to the Bahamas with Joe as the captain, John Parrot, Bill Irvin and others. Bare Boating from Boca to the Bahamas was not on my radar @ 22y.o. But it was on Joes! What an incredibly fun and thrilling trip! Joes sense of adventure was infectious. We did the trip 3 more times.Joe touched so many people in so many ways. we are all that much better for having known him.

Bobby Battle

March 6, 2010

Joe touched everyone in our Medical School class in some way. Kindness, enthusiasm,and charisma begin to describe him. His smile and genuine concern for others had a way of putting one at ease. He had a wonderful way of making you feel good about yourself. I think I will remember that most when I think of our old friend.

Pam Lolley Frey

March 5, 2010

Nashie, Leeny, and the entire family, you are all in my heart and in my prayers. Although I only had a handful of occassions to be with Joe, I felt I knew him much better due to the way Nash always spoke of him. I pray you are comforted by knowing that Joe is in a far more wonderful place right now, wrapped in loving arms. My love to you all. Peace.

John Parrott

March 5, 2010

I am proud to have been Joe's friend many years ago at UVA. We lived together with three other fools on Stribling Ave. in Charlottesville. We also worked together at the Theta sorority as bus boys, and agreed that it was the best job we ever had. A spring break sailing trip to the Bahamas was big fun. I have many photos of Joe during these times and he has a big, fat smile in every one of them.

The last time that I saw Joe was when he was a "surprise guest" at a 40th birthday party for Jim Revercomb and myself. Despite the fact that the party was almost 12 years ago, I still remember seeing his wicked smile across the room.

I will really miss Joe.

Ron Sroka

March 4, 2010

Joe, you will be missed. You were a great neighbor and always a very generous guy. I will miss our chats in the front yard and our discussions on our seasonal yard issues. Rest in peace my friend.

March 4, 2010

Mary Nash, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of your loss.

Richard Boyette

Degie Ferebee

March 4, 2010

Dear Mary Nash and Kathleen, When Saunders called me this morning to tell me about Joe memories of our childhood growing up across the street from you all flooded my mind. I can see you all now jumping off your front porch and running through the freshly fallen leaves laughing and squeeling with delight. I also remember lanky Joe as he would bound down the front porch steps with a smile on his face and a glint in his eye on his way to have some fun. The Kellys always have and always will hold a special place in my heart! Love, Degie

Patricia Sullivan

March 3, 2010

I live in Annapolis, and run a professional petsitting service. I took care of Joe's kitties, and spoke with him as recently as 2 weeks ago. He had just had back surgery and had adopted a new puppy, but realized he had taken on too much responsibility. We brainstormed to reach a solution.

I am devastated. Joe was a gentle soul who loved his cats, his birds and his various activities. I believe in addition to piloting veterans around the country, he also helped transport rescued dogs.

He was a great humanitarian, and I was privileged to know him.

Marie Lamison (Blanks)

March 3, 2010

I am very sorry to hear of Joseph's death. I lived with you in 1961-1962 and part of 1963-1964 when I attended Norfolk State University. I remember giving Joseph baths (spanking him once due to his behavior while in the tub) and taking care of all of you. (Mary Nash & Kathleen). Kathleen was a toddler.
I remember Kathleen leaving the
sandbox and going down by the water
alone. I almost had a heartattack
when I found her standing on the very edge looking down at the water.
I think of all of you whenever I travel down Hampton Blvd. I have driven by the house on Graydon Ave
just for old times sake and to share
the story with my children & grandchildren.
May God comfort you!!!!
Marie
[email protected]

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