Gerald Allen Kelly

Jerry was born in 1932 in Portland, Oregon to Homer Kelly and Marian Moffat. He grew up in Yakima with his brother, Larry. During Jerry’s early years, one of his proudest achievements was participating in Boy Scouts and earning the Eagle Scout designation - the highest rank attainable in the organization. One of Jerry's wishes was to be buried in his Scout sash.

After graduating from high school, Jerry was drafted into the Army in 1952 and served two years in Germany. After the Army, he moved to Seattle and in 1962 married Julie Cossalter. With his VA loan, they proudly bought their first home in the Wilburton area of Bellevue. Among other things for fun, every Friday night they would hop in their ‘65 bug and go get ice cream at the Bellevue Dairy Queen (where the Bravern now sits). Soon his girls Lisa and Diana came along. Jerry was an avid swimmer and was dedicated to swimming at the Bellevue Samena Club several times a week for many years. Jerry was a True Blue Seahawks fan from 1976 as one of the original Seahawks season ticket holders. Jerry worked for the Department of Labor for 37 years and retired with honorable service to the United States government in 1991.

Music was a big passion of Jerry’s, especially swing and jazz! He began playing the saxophone in high school and continued until his family started to grow. After the all to early passing of his wife Julie in 1998, he dusted off the sax and joined the Route 66 swing band. He loved playing music from the 30’s and 40’s at venues such as Crossroads Mall, summer festivals, retirement homes and private events.

Another ambition of Jerry’s was to fix up a Ford Model A. His opportunity came along when a neighbor decided to sell his rusty 1932. Jerry painstakingly brought the car back to life with the help of numerous car club buddies. He enjoyed taking his car to Model A events throughout Washington and at one point served as president of his local chapter of Model A Club of America.

One of Jerry’s greatest sources of enjoyment was his grandchildren, Nicholas and Alec Cheff who lovingly referred to him as “Papa”.

Jerry will be laid to rest with his wife Julie.