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 of Science in Civil Engineering.

During the Korean War, he served his country honorably in the U.S. Army.

After his military service, he began a career as a surveyor with the FAA. During this time, he met the love of his life, Elsie Woods, and married her in 1968.

In the mid-1960s, NASA called him and he worked as a budget analyst for NASA, supporting the nation’s space efforts, until his retirement in 1994.

He and Elsie moved from Alexandria, VA, to the Outer Banks and retired here.

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.

Donald’s devotion to his family, his faith and his country will forever be remembered and honored by those who knew and loved him.

The memorial service and burial will be held on Wednesday, August 28th at 12:00 noon at Beechwoods Cemetery Chapel in Falls Creek, PA with Rev. John Detisch officiating.

Full military honors are administered by the Parson-Marnati Post No. 95 of the American Legion.

Shugarts Funeral Home Inc. of Brockway is handling local arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at csfhinc.com.