Ret. John J. Kelly

KELLY, RET. COL. JOHN J., age 74, passed away peacefully Monday, November 3, 2008 in Beavercreek, Ohio. Mr. Kelly was born in LaCrosse, WI on February 3, 1934 to Edmund and Helen (Koller) Kelly. He was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, attended Loras College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, The Ohio State University, Airwar College and Industrial College of Armed Forces. John served as a Col. In the Air Force for 26 years before retirement, 13 years in Fighter Squadrons and 13 years as a Director of Electronic Warfare Programs and Fighter Pilot Commander. Mr. Kelly flew 100 missions over North Vietnam including T-33, F-86, F-89, F-102, F/RF4, F-4 Wild Weasel (A-7, F-106, F-101) and earned 2 Management Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross and 15 Air Medals. John was also involved in many organizations and civic activities including the Knights of Columbus, Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, American Legion, a coach of Pee Wee Jet Football, Pro-life movement, Boy Scouts of America and St. Vincent DePaul Society. John married the love of his life, Lois Ann (Ziegler) Kelly on June 15, 1957 and they were blessed with six children: Catherine (Greg) Blackburn, Michael (Roseanne) Kelly, Patricia (Ron) Kornowski, Steven (Renate) Kelly, Mary (Tony) Brunsman and Joseph (Aileen) Kelly, 20 Grandchildren, 2 sisters: Margaret Raymond and Dorothy Mae Hynes and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ed Kelly. Visitation will be held Friday, November 7th at Emmanuel Catholic Church on Franklin Street, Dayton from 10:00 A.M. until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. John will be remembered for his love of family, his integrity, passion, his Catholic faith and making pilgrimages to Holy Shrines around the world, and sports "Cincinnati Reds, Bengals, UD Flyers, OSU Buckeyes." In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Extension Foundation at Chicago or to Hospice of Dayton. Westbrock Funeral Home, Wayne Ave, handling arrangements (937-253-6161).