George E. Kelly's Obituary
George E. Kelly, born January 5, 1945, in Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, in Baltimore, MD, surrounded by the love of his children. He was 80 years old.
George is survived by his children Shannon Kelly, Lee Anne Kelly (James), and Chris Kelly (Shannon); his cherished grandchildren Elijah Rogan-Kelly, Ava Kelly, and Andrew Kelly; and his sisters Judy Mazzoli and Ginny DeViney. He is also remembered fondly by many sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia (McGowan) Kelly, who passed away on October 8, 2020. George and Pat were married on May 8, 1965, and shared a beautiful love story for 57 years—raising a family, traveling the world, and building a life full of laughter, devotion, and enduring love.
George spent more than four decades working for United Airlines as an operations manager—a career he took great pride in and excelled at. His job took the family from their home in suburban Philadelphia to Long Island, NY, in 1978, and then to Glen Burnie, MD, in 1982. The Glen Burnie home became the heart of a treasured family tradition: the annual Fourth of July celebration, filled with laughter, food, and joyful memories.
After retiring from United in 2005, George and Pat moved to Wild Meadows, a 55+ community in Dover, DE. Ever active and with Pat’s encouragement, George embarked on a second career as a driver for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, a role he enjoyed until fully retiring in December 2024.
George will be remembered for his easygoing nature, his humor, his unwavering dedication to his family, and his gentle strength. He was an incredible husband, father, and Granddad—known lovingly by his grandchildren as “Mr. Bad.” His legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His family is greatly comforted knowing that George and Pat are together again, forever.
A Celebration of Life for George will be held in early October, with details forthcoming to all family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in George’s memory to a cancer charity of your choice, in honor of Pat.
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