Obituary of Edward Kelly

Ed was born in Grosse Pointe Park, MI on August 11, 1925, to Anthony and Mary (Downey) Kelly. He was the youngest of five children. He graduated from St. Ambrose Catholic School and later served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. Recalled during the Korean conflict, Ed was discharged as Staff Sergeant in the Air Force. After a whirlwind engagement, he married Judy Fallu in 1957. Preceded in death by Judy in 2010, he’s survived by their seven children, Ed (Theresa) of Salem, OR, Michael (Terri) of Tangent, OR, Pat (Suzie) of Rome, GA, Elizabeth of Eugene, OR, Joe (Carrie) of Portland, OR, Margaret (Andy) Ross of Temple Terrace, FL, Frances (Richard Dowling) of Tahiti, and nine grandkids. Ed moved his family to Eugene, OR in 1978. He worked in advertising and public relations with various local businesses. Inspired by one of his favorite movies, "Miracle on 34th Street", he began a ten-year career as a professional Santa Claus, bringing joy to thousands of children around the nation. Retired since 2007, Ed made friends everywhere he went. The funeral will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, August 26, at Nativity of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church, 704 Aspen Rd., Springfield, OR, with a visitation beginning at 10:30. Private interment, with honors, at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, occurs on Tuesday. Ed regularly contributed to the care of nuns who attended his church. Contributions in his name can be sent to: The Hermit Sisters PO Box 1461 Springfield, OR 97477 Sacred Heart Hospice cared for dad for the past 2 months. We owe special thanks for their care and concern. Donations may be made to: Sacred Heart Hospice 677 E. 12th Ave. Suite N-110 Eugene, OR 97401Arrangements entrusted to West Lawn Memorial Funeral Home. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com