Francis Joseph Kelly

Francis J. Kelly, 82, resident of Annandale, VA for 48 years on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at INOVA Alexandria Hospital. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Elizabeth Quinn Kelly, father of Frank (Maura), Ann Welch (Keven), grandfather of Mollie, Joseph, and the late Brendan Kelly, Adrienne, Riley, and Bridget Welch, predeceased by his mother Ann McArdle Kelly, brother of Maureen Mangan, Charles Kelly, the late Genevieve Gallagher, the late Joseph Kelly, and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Lt Col Kelly was born in New York City, December 26, 1932, graduated from Fordham University in 1955 and was commissioned in the Marine Corps the same year, where he proudly served for twenty-two years. His service included combat in Vietnam, Rifle Company Commander in Vietnam, service aboard the USS Wasp, Command and Staff College student and instructor, Congressional Liaison for the US House of Representatives, Senate Select Committee on Assassinations, and Deputy Staff Director of the Senate Intelligence Committee. His decorations include three Purple Hearts, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (with “V”), Commendation Medal (with “V), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Citation Gallantry Cross Color with Palm, and Meritorious Service Medal. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Frank worked for thirty two years as a legislative assistant in military affairs for the late Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii. During his time on Capitol Hill Frank remained involved with the Marine Corps by leading the Congressional Marines Group for several years.

Since 1973, Frank worked tirelessly for the pro-life cause. He was friends with the late Nellie Gray and helped organize the annual March for Life. He was also the President of Virginia Right to Life for over thirty years.

The family will receive friends from 2pm to 4 pm and 6pm to 8pm Monday, April 13, 2015 at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Rd, Annandale, VA. A Solemn High Requiem mass in the Tridentine Rite will be held at 9:30am Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 7401 St. Michaels Lane, Annandale, VA. A reception will immediately follow the funeral. Burial will occur at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Virginia Right to Life, PO Box 1261, Springfield, VA 22151.