Larry L. Kelly

Larry Lester Kelly passed away on August 25, 2010 of complications from Prostate Cancer. He was born in Phoenix on December 10, 1930. He is the only child of Laurence and Inez Kelly, who were born in Arizona early in the 20th century well before Arizona became a state. His grandparents came to Arizona from 1887 through 1893 and first settled in Tempe and Phoenix. His father’s family operated and owned saloons in Tempe then Globe, and eventually in Jerome, Arizona during the years when copper mining was the state’s chief source of revenue. His mother’s family moved on to Prescott where his grandfather cut meat for the army at Fort Whipple and operated the town’s ice plant. His parents moved to Phoenix from Jerome in 1925 where his father worked for many years at APS and his mother rose to become a member of a large Phoenix food brokerage firm. Larry often commented about his fun loving Irish ancestors saying they were great people who enjoyed life to the fullest, though not well educated they were “street smart” and survived many hardships to live the good life in Arizona. He was very proud of them!! In their honor he donated antique items to the Jerome State Historic Park where they are on display. Larry loved Arizona and believed after extensive world travel that Monument Valley was the most beautiful spot in the world.

Larry attended Kenilworth Elementary School, North Phoenix High School and the University of Arizona where he received a BS degree in 1952. In 1957, and after service in the U.S. Navy, he joined the General Electric Co., Phoenix Computer Dept. which later became Honeywell Information Systems in 1971. In 1989, he retired after 32 years of combined service. He was an avid bass fisherman in all the AZ bass lakes, Lake Powell and Lake Mead. He also fished in New Mexico, Utah and Nevada. He was a very active member of the El Zaribah Shrine in Phoenix, serving in their Culinary Unit. Larry was a great friend to many people, and cherished those relationships.

Larry was preceded in death by his loving wife of 47 years, Wava S. Kelly and daughter Kerry L. Kelly. He loved his family and is survived by daughters Kimberley S. Kelly, Stephanie A. Kelly and daughter of choice, Paula Svetlecich, his son, Jeffrey D. Kelly and his wife Deborah Kelly. His grandchildren Kelly D. Rasmussen and husband John W. Rasmussen, Kara D. Kelly, and Daniel D. Kelly. He also has a great grandson, William J. Rasmussen.

A private memorial service will be held. In lieu of cards or flowers, those wishing to honor his memory may do so by making donations to their favorite charity in his name or to his favorite charities, the El Zaribah Shriner’s hospital transportation fund (552 N. 40th Street, Phx. 85008) or the UMOM New Day Centers for the homeless (3333 E. Van Buren St., Phx. 85008). Arrangements entrusted to Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary www.greenwoodmemorylawn.com