Gerald Thomas Kelly Sr.

Born and raised in Croton-on-Hudson, New York to William A. Kelly Sr. and Catherine Dymes. He was the 5th of 7 children and graduated from Croton High School in 1950, where he was co-captain of the football team and vice president of his senior class. He joined the Air Force in 1951, and served as company clerk on a base in Goose Bay, Labrador. He completed his tour of duty in Dover, Delaware and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. Jerry married, Georgette, the love of his life in 1953. They moved from Delaware to Connecticut and then returned to New York, where they resided in Irvington-on-Hudson, from 1958 to 1981, where they raised their 3 children. He worked as a food broker and started a Pop Warner football team with his co-founder Washington Jones. He coached until 1980, when he moved to Greensboro, North Carolina. In Greensboro, he worked for the city, and after working for campus security, retired from UNC-Greensboro in 1999. Jerry and his wife moved to Cary, NC to live near their children and grandchildren. Jerry was active in the Cary Senior Center Art Class.

Jerry was an extraordinary person, who gave freely of his time and talents. The children he coached, people he befriended, and family he loved will forever keep in their hearts the spirit of this wonderful human being who lived a long and worthwhile life.

He leaves his wife of nearly 65 years, Georgette (Kean) Kelly; his son Gerald Jr.; daughter Lisa Kelly-Rouse and her husband Frank Rouse; Grandchildren Noah, Shea and Spencer Rouse; and dozens of nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his daughter Theresa, sister Marilyn, brothers William and Donald and his parents.

A memorial service will be held 2:00pm on Saturday, February 17. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.