April 18, 1931 – August 19, 2024
SOUTHERN SHORES — Donald James Kelly, born on April 18, 1931, in Brooklyn, NY, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024, in Southern Shores, NC, at the age of 93.
Donald graduated in 1956 from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, NY, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. Following his military service, he started a career with F.A.A., as a Survey Engineer, During that time is when he met the love of his life, Elise Woods, and married in 1968. In the mid-60s, NASA came calling, and he worked as a budget analyst for NASA, where he worked contributing to the Nation’s space endeavors, until his retirement in 1994. He and Elise moved from Alexandria, VA, and retired here in the Outer Banks.
A devout parishioner of Holy Redeemer By-the-Sea Catholic Church, Donald’s faith was a cornerstone of his life.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elsie Marilyn Woods Kelly; his parents, Georgette Snyder Kelly and James Kelly; his sister, Bernadette Di Giiovanna and her husband Tom; and his brother-in-law, Paul Woods.
Donald is survived by his son, James J. Kelly and wife Virginia (Ginnie) of Southern Shores; his cherished grandchildren, Jordan and Jackson Kelly; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Woods. Don was loved very much by his nephews and neices, which include: Tom Di Giovanna and wife Linda; Edward Di Giovanna and wife Jennifer; Eileen and Bill Hanley; Paula Buzard, husband Brian, Brian Woods, spouse, Nicki, Brad Woods, and his spouse Jess, Johnny Wood and wife, Heidi. Don’s Great Neices and nephews include: Michael Di Giovanna; Chris & Sydney Di Giovanna; Caitlin Cunningham; Sean & Mary Hanley; Jessica Crane, T.J. Schute; Kerri & Jessica Woods, Marissa and Shayla Gray; Brady and Jameson Woods; Lincoln and Crue Woods.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 10:30 am at Holy Redeemer By-the-Sea Catholic Church, Kitty Hawk, NC, officiated by Rev. John F. Hanley, osfs. Burial with military honors will follow at Beechwoods Cemetery in Falls Creek, PA. The family will receive friends and relatives Friday, August 23, from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Twiford Colony Chapel in Manteo, NC.
Donald’s dedication to his family, faith, and country will forever be remembered and honored by those who knew and loved him.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
