George Richard Kelly, 101, of Lynchburg died peacefully at Westminster Canterbury on Wednesday, April 3, 2019. He was born on November 11, 1917, in Brooklyn, NY, to James J. Kelly and Mary Elizabeth Walters Kelly.
He attended Holy Rosary Elementary School and Brooklyn Technical High School. His education at City College of New York City was interrupted by World War II, when he was a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Following the war he completed his education at New York University, majoring in meteorology, earning a master’s degree followed by post graduate work. He returned to the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, serving in Japan and Guam.
His professional career included tenure at MITRE Corporation as an environmentalist and in his own company, EcoSystems, also as an environmentalist. He ended his work career in the Department of Energy Environmental Analysis.
He was married to Marion Selfe Kelly for 46 years and she survives him, also surviving are, Monica Kelly of Waterville, Maine, Robert Williford (Charlene) of Winston Salem, N.C., Ann Rider Catalano (Tom) of Northern VA, Richard Williford (Kathy) of Manakin-Sabot, VA, four grandchildren, Katherine Provencher (Luke) of Williamsburg, Valerie Rider of Reston, Mark Williford (Melanie) of Richmond and Eric Williford (Katie) of Richmond and two great-granddaughters.
George was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
He has flown close to the heavens before.
Now he is there!
A celebration of George’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Westminster Canterbury.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the Westminster Canterbury Employee Education Fund, 501 VES Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.
↧