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.

What We Did on Our Summer Vacation

The wife and I stayed at the Renaissance Aruba for our honeymoon, and a had a fun time. We did not find Natalee Hollaway, but I am sure she is, as the LHPDW said, she was sold into white slavery.

Anyway, it was not a Five Star Resort, but was real nice and perfect for those who leave their pretentiousness at the door. Checking in and out was no problem, and a brief island blackout was handled real well.We stayed at the Ocean Suites, which are simply large rooms, with a separate bedroom. The rooms were nice, nothing ridiculously different, and had a refrigerator, freezer, wet bar, and microwave. Our refrigerator was dialed way down, but no big deal.True, the hotel is next to the Marketplace, an assortment of shops and yes, a Wendy’s and Sbarro, but they didn’t ruin my trip. In fact, it made for a real quick, cheap meal.

The private island is nice, but the beach has a breakwater which cuts way down the number of waves that come in. Yes, planes do fly low over the beach, but only the most picky find that a bother. The flamingos and lots of lizards were fun to watch.We stuck mostly to the pool area, with lots of friendly people and a convenient bar nearby.The biggest highlight on Aruba was the absence of “island time,” the often interminable wait for basic things at meals and at the bar. Didn't happen ONCE!

We also checked out the Seaport Casino, which reminded me of riverboat casinos back home. The waiters were beyond attentive, and the tourists there were fun, as were most of the dealers. One drawback was that the locals who played there seemed to be there more out of desperation than just some fun. I noticed less of that at the Crystal Casino up the street.

We ate at LG Smith’s restaurant at the main Renaissance, and it was typical upscale steakhouse. The Gaucho was derided as a tourist trap by some snobby types we met, but we enjoyed it. After all, we were tourists. The dining highlight, and possibly the overall highlight of the trip was the Flying Fishbone restaurant. It is a $19 cab ride each way, but the food and atmosphere were top notch, especially for romantics. The tables are literally on the beach, with some feet getting wet. The food was great, with the steamed mussels and crème brulee highlights. It doesn’t hurt that the staff there were some of the most beautiful and attentive women I have ever seen. Iguana Joe’s offers good sandwiches and colorful boozy drinks.

We Got Married

What more can you say?

2004 Greg Gross Open Recap

Coolish breezes and blazing sun welcomed the field of the 2004 Greg Gross Open. Sixteen golfers began the tournament, with twelve golfers making the cut. For the second straight year, a Northbrook native cracked under the pressure of the lead group, and finished fifteen shots off the pace. Stan Kitzinger held off Scott Gillman by birdying the 17th Hole, and eased into a four stroke victory.

The only real drama was for the 11th and 12th and final cut spots, with three golfers carding a First Round 50. Bob Lumicao got the first played off spot, and Jim Rose eliminating the Tournament Director on the 11th Hole.

Rookie of the Year was Taylor Stroud, who though he missed the Cut, qualified as a finisher by drinking beer at Grandpa’s.

Stan Kitzinger 38-35-73
Scott Gillman 39-38-77
Burke Seeberg 42-38-80
Remo Zanocco 41-41-82
Craig Lederer 46-39-85
Pat Doran 38-50-88
Bob Lumicao 50-49-89
Jim Rose 50-45-95
Kevin Butler 47-39-96
Greg Kelly 50-MC
Taylor Stroud MC
Kevin Kelly MC
Neal McKnight MC

Neal McKnight was a good sport as the Pink Visor winner, which is fortunate, as he really sucks as a golfer, and the Awards Ceremony was highlighted by the kind words of a letter from Tim Seeberg, the visit by the Tournament Director’s father, and word of the Cubs’ acquisition of Nomar Garciaparra, which led to a frantic search for confirmation and details.

It was not a silver lining without a touch of gray. Three of the four first-time players left the course before the first round of beverages at the Awards Ceremony, qualifying them for a Lifetime Ban. Though the ignored the GGO credo: “Better Not to Come Than to Leave Early,” the GGO Tournament Director decided that the fate of the these three (Known collectively as “Three Partners at the Firm I Work at and thus Control My Immediate Economic Destiny When I Have a Wedding to Pay For, as Well as a Mortgage”), who have asked for a reprieve.

Pending a weighted vote of those who have played the GGO, their scores are permanently expunged from every GGO Record, except the Banned List. Scott Gillman was absent from the Awards Ceremony, but the Tournament Director has not banned him, considering his loyalty to the Tournament through the years (that and I was supposed to lead him to Grandpa’s, but I lost him.)

The future of the Greg Gross Open includes the return of the tournament to the Peter N. Jans Golf Course in Evanston, with The Awards Ceremony returning to The UBAA Tap. Apparently Anets Golf Course will be renovated and improved in the coming year, and it will allow the tournament to maintain its freshness by rotating the venue.

We thank everyone who stayed for attending, and hope you mark your calendar for July 30, 2005!

Greg and Tania in Anaheim

It was very hot, but there was a good Mexican joint near the ballpark, so we could have margaritas!
Wearing our Matt Clement "pussy-chins" at the Sunday 15 inning Cub victory.

Sleezefest 2003

Sleezefest, or BurkeFest, as he would like it to be called, was held on a balmy Saturday night in Milly-wau-kay.

Fun was had by all, as the Cubs, behind Mark Prior, who raised his record to 15-5, beat the Brewers 8-4.

2003 GGO Recap

Thirteen golfers, including two rookies, assembled at Anetsburger Golf Course on Saturday for the 2003 Greg Gross Open. The cut of top eight scores and ties went the full 18. The Tournament Director, swinging a club for the first time since the 2001 GGO carded a first nine 49, to miss the cut by a single stroke. Rookie of the year was James Slater, playing golf for the second time ever, beating out Pink Visor and fellow rookie Kevin Butler. Butler was thrilled with his prize, a grill that plugs into a car lighter.

Hometown hero Paul Festenstein led through nine holes, but got a nose bleed from being so high on the leader board that he promptly deposited his tee shot on the 10th into the water. At the same time, Remo Zanocco parred the first three holes of the back nine, gaining 5 strokes on the other 3 in the foursome and cruised to his first Greg Gross Open title. Though records of such things have not been kept, it is believed that Zanocco is the only golfer to play in every GGO since the tournament was opened up beyond the AGA.

The Awards Ceremony this year was held at Grandpa’s in Glenview, and we enjoyed good service, good weather, and cold beer. It was so nice out that we sat outside, so Gold Ball was put on hiatus for the year. Dad was happy to see everybody.

We thank everyone for attending, and hope you mark your calendar for the first Saturday in August 2004, for the 2004 Greg Gross Open.


Very truly yours always sincerely,
Gregory F. Kelly
Tournament Director

BKM In Seattle

The Boys at Safeco