Col. Michael J. Kelly

Michael Joseph Kelly, son of John F. and Mary Kelly, was born in Passiac, New Jersey on December 19, 1934. Michael attended local schools graduating from Passaic High School in 1952 and attended Newark College of Engineering for one year. He received an appointment to the Naval Academy from Congressman Gordon Canfield in June of 1953.

Michael graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1957 and received a commission as a 2d Lt. in the United States Marine Corps. He completed assignments in Quantico VA; Okinawa; on the USS Bon Homme Richard, West PAC; Explosive Ordinance Disposal School, Indian Head, MD; and HOMC, Washington. He deployed to Vietnam with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Division and later served as the Operations Officer in the 3rd Battalion. While in Vietnam he was awarded two Bronze Star Medals. He retired from the USMC Reserves in 1987 as the Commanding Officer of the Marine Training Unit in Garden City NY.

Michael raised his family in Westfield, NJ and later moved to Sea Bright, NJ while working for IBM and pushing the Big Iron. He and his wife, Judy, relocated to Annapolis MD where they were members of Eastport Yacht Club.

Michael was predeceased by his parents John and Mary Kelly and a brother J.P. Kelly. Surviving are his wife, Dr. Judith Poirier Kelly, three children, Colleen Antoon (Jeffrey ), John Kelly (Courtney), Kathleen Foit and nine grandchildren James, Christopher, and Tess Duffney, Michael, Connor and Luke Kelly and Patrick, Kelly and Brian Foit; two sisters; Anne Mascuch (Jerry), Mary Frances Dillon (Dr. John), sister in law, Debbie Kelly and and his first wife Marilyn Kelly.

A Memorial service will be held at The United States Naval Academy Main Chapel in Annapolis, MD on Friday March 9, 2018 at 10:30 AM. (Please enter through Gate 8.) Everyone over the age of 16 needs a valid, up to date photo ID for entry onto the Naval Academy Grounds. Inurnment will follow in the United States Naval Academy Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Michael’s name to The Naval Academy Foundation or The Ginger Cove Foundation.