Obituary

Written by James Kelley

David James Kelley
May 29, 1925-October 22, 2008

David James Kelley, age 83, of Pike Creek, DE, passed away on October 22, 2008, at Heartland Hospice House surrounded by family members. 

Dave was born in North East Philadelphia, PA in 1925 and moved to Wilmington in the mid 1950's after landing a position with, and retiring from, E.I. DuPont Company - Chestnut Run Textile Research Labs. Dave served his nation proudly in the U.S. Marine Corp on the Aircraft Carrier Ticonderoga during World War II. Dave was an avid sports enthusiast, who coached and mentored many young CYO players in several different sports during the 1950's and 1960's at Sacred Heart School in Wilmington. He never failed to make a game his ten children played in, whether coaching them himself or cheering them on in the stands. Dave was a long time prominent member of the local chapter of AA, where he leaves behind many who loved and respected him for all of his extraordinary efforts to help those inflicted with addiction. Dave was a caring, loving and affectionate father, grandfather and great grand-father. He will be missed by the many who were fortunate enough to know him. They just don't make them like Dave Kelley anymore.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph M. and Rosemary R. Kelley; wife, Marion L. Kelley; siblings Martin, Thomas, John and Donald Kelley. Dave is survived by his sister, Suzanne Bojanowski of Florida; his 10 children residing in the nearby region, Thomas Kelley and his wife, Jeanette, Kathleen Kelley, Maureen Dunning and her husband, Edward, Daniel Kelley, Mickey Kelley and his wife, Lydia, Candace Eckenrode and her husband, George, Bonnie Kelley, Connie Panco, Jim Kelley, and Jack Kelley. He is also survived by his 15 loving grandchildren and 8 wonderful great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at Corpus Christi Church, 901 New Road, Wilmington on Tuesday, October 28, at 9:30 am. Friends may call at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home 1400 Kirkwood Hwy., Elsmere on Monday evening, October 27, from 6-8 pm. Interment will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Summit, Delaware 19701.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Veterans Hospital, 1601 Kirkwood Hwy., Brack-Ex, Wilmington, DE 19805.

KRIENEN-GRIFFITH

www.Delawarefuneral.com

302-994-9614

[published 10/24/2008]