William James Kelly

A CHOSIN FEW

William James Kelly, 86, passed away on Wednesday, February 5th, 2014 at home with his wife Gerry and family at his side. Born in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph J. Kelly and Mary McMahon, he grew up with his brother Jack in Michigan City, Indiana. His early enlistment in the Marine Corps landed him at Guadal Canal in WWII and finally in Korea where he received a Purple Heart for being wounded during the brutal winter battle at the Chosin Reservoir in 1950. After returning home and working in Chicago he met the love of his life Gerry A. Haubl and was soon married and starting a family. His work with J.C. Penneys led them east to New York and Stamford, CT, and years later to Dallas where he retired in the company as Divisional Vice President and Director of Catalog Advertising and Publications. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Gerry; six children: Pat Kelly and his wife Trina of Redmond WA, Michael Kelly and his wife Margaret of Ridgewood NJ, James Kelly of Vail CO, Kathy Saciuk and her husband Mike of Danbury CT, Bill Kelly and his wife Lucy of Weston CT, and Colleen Mayer and her husband Keith of Newtown CT; ten grandchildren: Shannon, Shawna, and Kevin Kelly, Lauren and Thomas Kelly, Shayla, Cassie, and J.G. Kelly, and Connery and Brennan Mayer. William was predeceased by his brother Jack Kelly of Chicago IL. Services will begin with a wake on Wednesday, February 12th, 2014 from 6– 9 pm at the Ted Dickey West Funeral Home. A Mass will be held on Thursday, February 13th, 2014 beginning at 10:30 am at All Saints Catholic Church, 5231 Meadowcreek Drive, Dallas TX, (972)661-9282. Final burial will follow at 2:30 pm at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas TX, (214)467-3374. In lieu of flowers, a donation in William’s name can be made to help in the construction of “The Chosin Few Memorial Monument” by contacting Bruce Woodward, email: [email protected]