I have so many fond memories of Mr. Kelley at Gow. A great teacher, coach and guiding hand. He had the innate ability to be tough as nails without saying a word and having a laugh when you needed it most. A truly great man who I will never forget. -Henry Ebert '84

For me, Dan was a man who was easy to connect with. He always listened first in order to find a personal touch with you, within the conversation. A rarity among people. I only knew Dan later on in life, but we individually found so many topics and experiences to share with each other that resonated across our entire lives. Easy to make and enjoy humor. A thoughtful and big hearted man. Honored to have been able to call him a friend. Happy to have memories of him live inside my soul. Long live Dan Kelley.

Mr. Kelley (Dan) shaped me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until years later in my own classroom. His influence stayed with me throughout my career, and I’m truly thankful to have been one of his students. He had a wonderful sense of humour (mind my Canadian spelling) and a knack for offering the perfect story or bit of wisdom when it was needed most.

Dan "the Man" Kelley.  We don't even know where to start.  Can't quite wrap our heads around it.  Friend, boss, the best guy I could have ever worked for and worked with.  Dan was so wonderful, General Jody the best, and Erin and Seth so loving and talented.   Dan was so great, always honest, upstanding, always kept his cool.  He had a high standard of morals and helped us all be the best we could be.  We loved him dearly.  He was more than a boss, he was a great friend.  He knew we loved him, and he knew we loved him and Jody right back.  We always kept in touch, talked about his wonderful family, the Bills and he was always upbeat and positive.  We have known Dan since 1985.  Every year I received a birthday card from him.  My birthday was 11/1 and on 11/5, I received my greatest gift from him.  My last birthday card from Dan.  Even then he wrote about his family and how proud he was of them and said he was staying positive even in light of all his hospital admissions.  God Bless you all and we are positive, the God Lord said, Welcome home, my good and faithful servant.

My deepest sympathy for your loss. Dan’s brother Jim has always spoken very highly of Dan and shared many stories. I know Dan will be missed as an educator. Please know that I am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Jody - My deepest sympathy for your loss,   Paul Blaufuss,  Charlotte NC

The Branford crew visiting with Dan & Jodi reminiscing old times

I am so so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. I went to Branford High School with Dan, and we were good friends. Dan was happy, kind, smart, spirited, and a true and honest friend. We were able to reconnect virtually a few years ago, and he was so happy with and proud of his family, and loved working with young people - I just know he was an incredible educator, coach, mentor and colleague at the Dow school. Rest easy, my fine Irish fun friend. We will all miss you so.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kelley family. Jody, we wish you and your family peace and healing. Danny was a joy to grow up with and many memories are surfacing from our lives on Indian Neck Ave. He was an easy guy to be friends with. I’ll always remember his comfortable style and sense of humor. You are in our prayers.

Bobby and Joanne Sobolewski

To: The Kelley Family:

We were so fortunate to have known Mr. Kelley.  He went above and beyond for my son, Ken Clark.  He was a wonderful mentor and took such time, interest and effort to encourage and support Ken.  
We will always appreciate Mr. Kelley; and will never forget him.  He made such a difference in our lives by helping my son.
I know family was also very important to him; and his passing is a tremendous loss.  
His legacy as an outstanding, caring educator will live on with those that were lucky to have known him. 
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. He will so greatly be missed.  With sincere sympathies - Mary Ann Clark

Dan Kelly was the best part of Gow. His lessons and mentorship will forever be cherished by myself and others. He has done so much for me during my time at Gow that the gratitude i have for him is impossible to convey into words. My mother and I will miss him dearly and we send our deepest condolences to the school and family.

Dan Kelley was an exceptional teacher who made a lasting impact on everyone he taught. He was always willing to help his students, fair yet disciplined, and deeply dedicated to his work. Mr. Kelley made high school a better place, not just through his teaching, but through his kindness, patience, and genuine care for others. I have many fond memories of him, and he will be truly missed. He touched the lives of so many students, all for the better. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

OBITUARY

Daniel F. Kelley

May 15, 1951 – November 3, 2025

Wood Funeral Home

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