George R. Kelley

Devoted Family Man

George R. Kelley, 84, formerly of Highview Terrace, Bethel, devoted husband of Edith M. (Cockings) Kelley, died October 6 at Danbury Health Care Center. He was born in Somerville, Mass., on June 26, 1924, son of Arthur and Mary (Collins) Kelley.

A devoted family man, he will be sadly missed by his wife of 65 years; his nine children and their spouses. Patrick and Nora Kelley of Newtown, Richard and Janice Kelley of Massachusetts, Elaine and Robert Shults of Virginia, Danny and Patricia Kelley of Southbury, Janice Postell of Georgia, Christine and John Nugent of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Stephen and Susan Kelley of Brookfield, Michael and Wendy Kelley of South Carolina, and James and Mel Kelley of South Carolina; and his many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy “Dolly” O’Brien; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Arthur Kelley; his sisters, Alice Kelley and Sr Mary Agnes Kelley; and his son-in-law, Heyward Postell.

Mr Kelley was a veteran of World War II and Korea, serving with the US Army Air Corps and the US Air Force. He served in the military for 21 years, retiring as an Air Force Senior Master Sergeant. He made his home in the Danbury area for more than 30 years. He later worked as a foreman for the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury.

He was a parishioner of St Mary Church in Bethel.

Funeral services will be held at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, Friday, October 10, at 6:30 pm. Cremation and interment will take place at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening, between the hours of 5 and 8 pm.

Contributions may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati OH 45250-0301 in memory of Retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant George Richard Kelley, 1924 to 2008; or to the charity of one’s choice.

The Newtown Bee        October 10, 2008