Donald James Kelly, born April 18, 1931 in Brooklyn, NY, died peacefully on August 19, 2024 in Southern Shores, NC, at the age of 93.
Donald graduated from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute in Brooklyn, NY in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his military service, he began a career as a surveyor with the FAA. During this time, he met the love of his life, Elise Woods, and married her in 1968. In the mid-60’s, NASA called him and he worked as a budget analyst for NASA, contributing to the nation’s space efforts until his retirement in 1994. He and Elise moved here from Alexandria, VA and retired here in the Outer Banks.
A devout parishioner of Holy Redeemer By-the-Sea Catholic Church, Donald’s faith was a cornerstone of his life.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elsie Marilyn Woods Kelly, his parents Georgette Snyder Kelly and James Kelly, his sister Bernadette Di Giiovanna and her husband Tom, and his brother-in-law Paul Woods.
Donald is survived by his son, James J. Kelly and his wife Virginia (Ginnie) of Southern Shores; his beloved grandchildren, Jordan and Jackson Kelly; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Woods. Don was greatly loved by his nephews and nieces including: Tom Di Giovanna and his wife Linda; Edward Di Giovanna and his wife Jennifer; Eileen and Bill Hanley; Paula Buzard and her husband Brian; Brian Woods and her husband Nicki; Brad Woods and his wife Jess; Johnny Wood and his wife Heidi. Don’s great-nieces and nephews include: Michael Di Giovanna; Chris & Sydney Di Giovanna; Caitlin Cunningham; Sean & Mary Hanley; Jessica Crane, TJ Schute; Kerri & Jessica Woods, Marissa and Shayla Gray; Brady and Jameson Woods; Lincoln and Crue Woods.
A Resurrection Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Redeemer By-the-Sea Catholic Church, Kitty Hawk, NC. The Rev. John F. Hanley, osfs. will officiate. Burial will follow with military honors at Beechwoods Cemetery in Falls Creek, PA. The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, August 23, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Twiford Colony Chapel in Manteo, NC.
Donald’s devotion to his family, his faith and his country will forever be remembered and honored by those who knew and loved him.
Services at Beechwoods Cemetery will be announced in the next few days.
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