Post by ginbark on Jan 8, 2013 15:50:36 GMT -5
Francis J. "Fran" Kelley ~ Coach Kelley
Age 39, of Smyrna, DE, passed away unexpectedly Friday January 4, 2013 at his home with his wife and 2 children by his side.
A lifelong resident of Delaware and a proud Irishman, Fran was born in Wilmington on April 1, 1973, the son of Thomas Kelley and Kathryn Petit Burgess. An all around talented athlete in many sports, including baseball and football, his passion was wrestling as a young boy, then in High School and College, and most recently as a devoted coach to his son Ryan and Team Smyrna. He was deeply involved in his children's athletics. Fran attended Caravel Academy and graduated from Glasgow High School, and then attended Delaware State University. He was an accomplished Research and Development Technician at Dow Chemical and has his name on several patents. Those who knew him recall what a hard worker he was. In addition to his involvement in his children's athletics, he was a devoted family man. He, his wife and children loved the beach, boating and crabbing. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. In a final act of love and sacrifice, Fran will be helping over 100 people, with his physical donation.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of 15 years and soul mate and best friend for the past 25, Shelly Kelley; his children Ryan and Abbigail; his stepfather, Robert Burgess; two brothers, Matt Kelley and his wife Christine and Anthony Nastatos; two sisters, Tina Samuels and her husband Sam, and Carrie Kelley; his in-laws, Nick and Debbie Menaquale and Roger and Patty Flanagan; his nana, Honora Silicato; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Francis and Mary Kelley and Ruth and Howard Hollingsworth.
A service honoring his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday January 11, 2013 at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 West Main St., Newark, DE 19711. Friends and family may call at the funeral home Thursday evening from 6-8 pm or one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Newark Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Smyrna Little Wrestlers c/o the funeral home. To send condolences visit www.rtfoard.com.
Age 39, of Smyrna, DE, passed away unexpectedly Friday January 4, 2013 at his home with his wife and 2 children by his side.
A lifelong resident of Delaware and a proud Irishman, Fran was born in Wilmington on April 1, 1973, the son of Thomas Kelley and Kathryn Petit Burgess. An all around talented athlete in many sports, including baseball and football, his passion was wrestling as a young boy, then in High School and College, and most recently as a devoted coach to his son Ryan and Team Smyrna. He was deeply involved in his children's athletics. Fran attended Caravel Academy and graduated from Glasgow High School, and then attended Delaware State University. He was an accomplished Research and Development Technician at Dow Chemical and has his name on several patents. Those who knew him recall what a hard worker he was. In addition to his involvement in his children's athletics, he was a devoted family man. He, his wife and children loved the beach, boating and crabbing. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. In a final act of love and sacrifice, Fran will be helping over 100 people, with his physical donation.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of 15 years and soul mate and best friend for the past 25, Shelly Kelley; his children Ryan and Abbigail; his stepfather, Robert Burgess; two brothers, Matt Kelley and his wife Christine and Anthony Nastatos; two sisters, Tina Samuels and her husband Sam, and Carrie Kelley; his in-laws, Nick and Debbie Menaquale and Roger and Patty Flanagan; his nana, Honora Silicato; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Francis and Mary Kelley and Ruth and Howard Hollingsworth.
A service honoring his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday January 11, 2013 at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 West Main St., Newark, DE 19711. Friends and family may call at the funeral home Thursday evening from 6-8 pm or one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Newark Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Smyrna Little Wrestlers c/o the funeral home. To send condolences visit www.rtfoard.com.