Edward J. Kelly 1928 - 2005

Though he attended White Sox games with his uncle, Mayor Edward J. Kelly, he never seemed to mind that his children are Cubs fans.

Edward J. Kelly, of Glenview died Thursday at this home. He was 77. Though he shared the family’s love of politics, he directed his energies towards public service through volunteering. Through St. John Fisher Church in Beverly, he worked with the Holy Name Society. Once he moved to Glenview in 1968 following the sale of Kelly Kornbeef, Kelly delivered for Meals on Wheels, and spent numerous holidays and weekends on behalf of the Little Brothers of the Poor, visiting the elderly and shut-ins on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, taking them to luncheons or to the organization’s summer cottages in Rochelle. He was the Head Usher at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Glenview.

Mr. Kelly also worked tirelessly on behalf of the mentally retarded, working with the Association of Retarded Citizens, and served for a time as the president of the Lincoln Parents’ Association, which advocated for the parents of residents of the state-run Lincoln Developmental Center.

Following his wife Barbara’s death in 1997, Kelly joined the Volunteers of Helping Hands of Glenview, which provides transportation to seniors and people with disabilities, mostly for medical appointments. His efforts led to his being named Volunteer of the Year in 1999 in Glenview.

After his graduation from Campion Jesuit High School and the University of Notre Dame, he served in the United States Navy and Reserves until retirement at the rank of Commander. He also taught and served as an administrator for the Gabriel Richard Institute, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help people develop practical leadership skills.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy, children Marguerite (Bill) Fobes, Michael (Susan Balciulis), the late Timothy, Martha (James) Rose, Laura (Remo) Zanocco, Kevin (Annmarie), Peter (Janice), Gregory (Tania), and thirteen grandchildren. Visitation at N H Scott & Hebblethwaite Funeral Home, 1240 Waukegan Rd, Glenview from 4 until 8, Tuesday. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Glenview at 10 Wednesday followed by internment at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines.

From the Chicago Tribune:
Although he firmly had a place in the business world, his heart was devoted to helping others. "I know that his family's background in politics--his uncle was Mayor Edward J. Kelly- -and his faith played a big part in his volunteering his time, and he also was always one to tell people to take care of their neighbors just as much as themselves," said his youngest son, Gregory. Mr. Kelly, 77, retired vice president of factory operations for General Bandages Inc. in Morton Grove, died of cancer Thursday, June 30, in his Glenview home.