Birth date: Jan 9, 1932 Death date: Jan 19, 2025
Cornelius (Neil) A. Kelly, Major US Army, Retired, went home to the Father. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years Catherine, who was by his side during his years in military service. He entered service as a Private 19 F Read Obituary
Neal was interesting man, I enjoyed our visits when ever he came to Michigan to visit family. He was always respectful and treated me like a lady. Even when he was telling jokes, he made sure they were fitting around my gender. He was a special man. Then he raised a good son.
I feel compelled to write a line or two about this great American Catholic Gentleman. Like most parishioners, staff and clergy of St. Paul Catholic Church in Leesburg, I became a recipient of his history lessons, military protocol, sermons, humor and good-hearted ball-busting (excuse me ladies). He attended daily Mass, wearing out, I'm sure numerous, missals. If you did not see him at Mass, most likely he was driving (solo) across the country visiting family, well into his 80's.
As a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, I am called to grow our membership. So I approached Neil one day (as I am sure many others before me have) and asked him to join the Knights; his response was classic Neil, "I wouldn't join any group that walk around with swords..". I suppose that a .45 sidearm or a carbine slung over your shoulder were Ok. ☺️ But I pressed further, I guaranteed I would keep him away from those saber swingers; he finally admitted: "I won't be a part of any group that would have me as a member..." Classic. I will miss the old codger, but I know I have another angel that will pray for me. Thank you for your service and your friendship. Rest in Peace, Sir. 🫡 :flag-us:
I knew Neil through Ministry to the sick at St Pau’s for the 19 years I lived there. He was always great to be around. We often spent time discussing a variety of topics. We both had military life in common.
