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<p><em>Kevin Christopher Kelley</em> died in a tragic accident on March 12, 2023. He was 79 years old and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Catherine Kelley; his children: Kevin Kelley Jr. (Sandra), Caroline Kelley (David Gold), Patrick Kelley (Heather) and Elizabeth Kelley; and 11 grandchildren: Theodore, Josie Susanna and Victor Kelley, Laila and Ellie Gold, Bowen and Georgia Kelley, and Gianluca, Julian and Clara Marroni. He graduated from Trinity-Pawling School in Pawling, NY in 1962.</p>
<p>Kevin was sworn into the Class of 1966 of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY on July 2, 1962. He readily earned the respect of his classmates, as he was known for his engaging sense of humor and performance on the Army Hockey Team. Larry Hansen, captain of the 1965-66 Army Hockey Team, called Kevin a “star” in a strong plebe class and remembers that his most memorable characteristics were his modesty and humility. Kevin and classmate Frank Kobes played on the third line of the “A” Squad Hockey Team. The role of the third line was to “kill” penalties and generally stop the other team from scoring while the first two lines rested. Kevin had the skill, speed, strength, and stamina to successfully defend against the best players from the opposing team. Frank could not recall any team ever scoring while the third line was on the ice. On those precious summer vacations while attending West Point, Kevin would usually host an overnight party for his hockey teammates at his family’s summer house near Bearskin Neck in Rockport, MA. Larry recalls that these gatherings were typically the most memorable of the summer. </p>
<p>Kevin graduated in 1966 and, after successfully completing airborne and Ranger training, reported to Fairbanks, AK for his first assignment. While there, he served as an infantry platoon leader, company commander, and general’s aide. In 1969, Kevin reported to Republic of Vietnam, where he served as an advisor to the Vietnamese Army, earning the Combat Infantryman Badge.</p>
<p>Kevin resigned his commission in 1970 and began attending the University of Vermont Medical School, graduating in 1976. He then returned to active duty in the Army completing an internship and residency in obstetrics and gynaecology (OB-GYN) at Madigan Army Hospital in Tacoma, WA finishing in 1980. From 1980 to 1985 he was assigned to Berlin Meddac Hospital in Germany, where he was a staff OB-GYN and department chair. While there, Kevin delivered Mary Katherine Buczacki, daughter of classmate John (Buz) Buczacki and his wife, Beverly. They hold the birth of their daughter very dear to their hearts, especially because a classmate delivered her. They praised Kevin’s gracious bedside manners and professionalism. While in Berlin, Kevin completed the 1984 Berlin Marathon. After assignments in Army hospitals in Lawton, OK and at Fort Gordon, GA, Kevin retired from the Army, in 1993.</p>
<p>Kevin and family moved to Wilmington, DE, where he became a staff OB-GYN at the Medical Center of Delaware, which later became Christiana Health Services. While there, Kevin received numerous teaching awards from the hospital and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. His most cherished was the Golden Apple Award from the graduating residents. The Golden Apple Award highlights a medical school professor who deserves the greatest respect for his or her improvements or advancements in medical education. Even though more than 10 years have passed since his retirement from medicine, Kevin is fondly remembered by his students and colleagues:</p>
<p>“I feel blessed to have been able to spend time with Dr. Kelley. He was an amazing person; the world seemed a better place when he was around.”</p>
<p>“Kevin brought loads of humanity into our world, and he leaves a powerful legacy (and some memorable quotes!). Truly a great human.”</p>
<p>“One of the finest human beings I have had a chance to know. I learned a lot from him while training at CCHS. Truly a great man with a great smile”</p>
<p>“Dr. Kelley was everything I aspire to be as a physician and even better person. His kindness, intelligence, compassion and humor were inspirational, and he always could make me smile.”</p>
<p>“Kevin is a great example of a life well lived.”</p>
<p>“Dr. Kevin Kelley, you were an amazing doctor, teacher, innovator and just human being. I have learned so much from you as a mentor and then as a co-worker caring for many women.”</p>
<p>Of all the things for which I think Kevin would want to be remembered, it would be his love for his family. He was dedicated to his family. He made it a point to be home for dinner every evening while in medical school. His marriage, from his children’s perspective, was magical. For the 56 years of their marriage, Kevin and Mary Catherine joyfully opened their homes to friends and family. Upon his retirement from medicine in 2012, he instigated a Kelley family reunion in Rockport every 4th of July. During each reunion, he led a 22-mile bike ride around Cape Ann, Massachusetts, usually involving 20-30 family members, dunks in the ocean and ice cream. His family orientation often led to visits with their children to such far-flung locations as Germany, Holland, Poland, Italy, France and Africa. The words of Theo Kelley, Kevin’s oldest grandchild, fully express the feelings of all those who knew Kevin: “You were the epitome of a good and honorable man, and I’m a better person for having known you. Thanks for being a caring grandfather and role model. Love you!”</p>
<p>Rest in Peace, you good and honorable man.</p>
<p><em>— Mike McKay, Friend and Classmate</em></p>
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