A LIFE WELL AND FULLY LIVED
Available Replay with Timestamps:
Mass of Christian Burial
Now if a man tried to take his time on Earth
And prove before he died
What one man's life could be worth
Well, I wonder what would happen to this world?
- Harry Chapin
January 29, 1955 - Birth at Midnight, Wilmington's Memorial Hospital
June 11, 1969 - St. Mary-St. Patrick School Graduation
June 8, 1973 - Salesianum Graduation
May 27, 1976 - Completion of Private Pilot Ground School at Summit Airport
April 18, 1977 - That Infamous Monday Night at The Buggy
June 11, 1977 - Delaware Technical and College Graduation, Electronics
September 27, 1977 - Invitation to the Delaware State Police
October 10, 1977 - Recruit Trooper Appointment
December 16, 1978 - Married Paula
March 3, 1978 - 39th Class Delaware State Police Graduation
October 6, 1980 - Notice of Promotion
October 10, 1980 - Trooper First Class
April 4, 1981 - Notice of Reassignment from Patrol, Troop 1 Penny Hill, to Aviation
April 20, 1981 - Aviation Section Appointment
September 21, 1981 - Completion of Bell 206 JetRanger Pilot's Ground School and Flight Transition Course at Bell Helicopter Textron Training Center, Fort Worth, Texas
November 19, 1982 - Completion of Bell 206L-I VFR Helicopter at Bell Textron Factory, Fort Worth, Texas
May 20, 1984 - Helicopter Accident, age 29
September 27, 1984 - Recognition of Dedication and Service by Delaware State Ambulance Association
October 9, 1984 - Delaware State Police Superintendent's Citation
November 8, 1984 - Release from Rehab
February "6 or 7", 1989 - Arrival at 46 Grandview
November 2, 1990 - Fatherhood, Samantha Arrival
March 17, 1991 - Lifetime Membership in The Emerald Society of Delaware
December 16, 2024 - Dennis and Paula's 46th Wedding Anniversary
December 21, 2024 - Relieved of Duty
Obituary (Written by Paula and Samantha)
Dennis Francis Kelly, age 69, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024 with his family by his side after a brief illness.
He was a former helicopter pilot with the Delaware State Police – a calling that he loved. Forty years ago after a training accident, he survived as a quadriplegic. During the next 40 years, he inspired many with his continued love of aviation and with his determination to live a full life.
He was preceded by his parents Anne Q. Kelly and Thomas A Kelly as well as his brother Thomas P. Kelly and sister Carol Ann Barnes. He leaves behind his wife Paula and daughter Samantha, sisters Kathy Kelly, Noreen Kenney, and brother-in-law Tom Kenney and numerous nieces and nephews.
Click for information on Services Honoring Dennis.
Dennis had requested that people perform an act of helpfulness to an individual with a physical or mental disability. The family requests donations sent to Mount Aviat Academy, 399 Childs Road, Childs, Maryland 21916, memorial link or via check.
Obituary (Written by Dennis)
Dennis, (age?) left this Mortal World, (date), for what he hopes to be a better place = Dennis was born to Anne Quinlan and Thomas A. Kelly, and grew up in the City of Wilmington.
Schools attended included St. Patrick's Parochial; Salesianum High School; and Delaware Technical College, where he finished with an AAS Degree in Electronics.
Employment experiences varied but included being a Caddy; Driver;Laborer; Lifeguard; Roofer; and even Ironworker.
Always looking to meet new challenges, in 1977, he joined the Delaware State Police. Following several years on Patrol duties, He was assigned to the Aviation Section which allowed him to purse one of his passions, while still serving his community as a Trooper. An accomplished Pilot with Helicopter and Airplane Instructor Licenses, his career was cut short in 1984 after a serious flying accident rendered him Quadriplegic.
Known to his friends as Stubborn, Argumentative, and just a Crazy Irishman., Sports he enjoyed were football, swimming. skiing. and other outdoor activities. After his early retirement, Dennis just tried to stay social and help educate himself and those around him about living with a disability.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, sister Carol Ann Barnes and Brother Thomas P. Kelly, and way too many good friends to even mention.
He is survived by an a unsung heroin and wife., Paula Farnan Kelly: a wonderful daughter Samantha: and several friends that epitomized great character.
In lieu of flowers, the deceased asks you to do one act of helpfulness to any individual with a Physical or mental disability.
"I am the Trooper"
Ihave been where you fear to be,
I have seen what you fear to see,
I have done what you fear to do
All these things I have done for you.
I am the person you lean upon,
The one you cast your scorn upon,
The one you bring your troubles to
All these people I've been for you.
The one you ask to stand apart,
The one you feel should have no heart,
The one you call "The Statie,"
But I'm just a person, not to be hated.
And through the years I've come to see,
That I am not always what you ask of me;
So, take this badge ... take this gun ...
Will you take it ... will anyone?
And when you watch a person die
And hear a battered baby cry,
Then do you think that you can be
All these things you ask of me?
Author unknown