Obituary: George Bernard Kelly

George Bernard Kelly, of Longboat Key and formerly of New York City and Port Washington, N.Y., died Nov. 22. He was 92.

Mr. Kelly was born Nov. 1, 1919, in Burlington, Vt., and moved with his family to Buffalo, N.Y., and then to Brooklyn, N.Y. Mr. Kelly always considered himself a Brooklyn boy, having spent most of his childhood there. He attended Brooklyn College, then served as a sergeant in the United States Army Corps during World War II. He was an airplane bombardier flying on B-24 bombers in the Burma China Theater.

Prior to departing on his overseas assignment, he met the love of his life, Theresa, at a USO dance. Upon his return from military service and the end of World War II, he married Theresa and raised a family of four sons in New York City and then in Port Washington (Long Island), N.Y. Mr. Kelly had a long career with the New York City Police Department and then a second career with the Federal Bankruptcy Court in New York City. Upon this second retirement, he and his wife moved permanently to Longboat Key.

Mr. Kelly was also an accomplished athlete, having played semi-professional baseball and basketball prior to embarking on his professional career. Although he worked hard for most of his life, he was first and foremost a family man and always made time for and took great comfort in his family.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Theresa Ida Kelly; sister, Shirley; four sons, George, Wayne, Stephen and Thomas; and 11 grandchildren.

A private Mass of Christian burial was held Dec. 1 in Orange, Va.

Donations may be made in remembrance of him to St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Fla., 34228.