Obituary of Howard D. Kelley MD

Howard D. Kelley M.D. Howard D. Kelley, MD, beloved physician and surgeon, died January 23, 2010 after a long and fulfilling life. Dr. Kelley was born in Delancey, NY, the son of Mary S. MacNaught and Harold E. Kelley. He attended Walton High School, Marietta College (Ohio) and graduated from Syracuse University Medical School in 1942. Howard proudly served as a surgeon in WWII with the 275th Armored Field Artillery. His unit saw action at the Battle of the Bulge. Doc, as he was known, enjoyed attending reunions with his Army comrades throughout the years. In 1947 he married the former Erna M. Rommel who predeceased him in 2003. Dr. Kelley began his medical career in Tully with Dr. William Padget. He opened his own practice in Cortland in 1952 and served the community for over 50 years. Howard was active all his life, enjoying outdoor sports especially skiing and tennis. Inrecent years he could be seen taking walks around Homer. He and Erna were able to travel extensively. Howard loved music (occasionally playing the harmonica with the Cosimo Trio), working on his computer, spending time with family and friends, and all things Italian. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Erna, and his brother Malcolm. Survivors include his daughters Susan (Donald) White, Cathy Robinson and Kristina(Karl Miller) Kelley, four grandchildren, two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A Compassionate, caring and gentle man, Dr. Kelley will be greatly missed by all whose life he touched. Calling hours are Saturday January 30 from 1- 4 PM at Wright-Beard Funeral Home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to honor Dr. Kelley may consider a charity of their choice. To offer on line condolences visit www.wright-beard.com Just want to offer my most sincere condolences to the Kelley family. While I never met Dr Kelley, I have family and friends who have been under his care. Personally I have had the good fortune to have been a 1968 classmate of Cathy's and I just want the family to know of my sincere appreciation for his military service to this country as well as the Cortland community. May God forever bless the doctor and the entire Kelly family. Ivan Angell Knoxville, TN Cathy - I am so sorry about the loss of your father. My Dad passed away the day after Christmas. It is a hard thing to handle. Your father was such a dear man and such a fine physician. Please send my condolences to the rest of your family also. Arleen Colasanto (Inman) Sue, Cathy & Chrissy, I wish I could be there to offer my condolences in person but between work and airline flights I can't be there so I am sending this note. Your dad was a wonderful, kind man who touched so many. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Pat Gladstone To the Kelley Family, It is and always has been my opinion, as a patient and friend, that Dr. Kelley was the very best physician and surgeon ever created by our father in heaven. Dr. Kelley will always be fondly remembered and loved by all and never forgotten. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with our community. Michael Bidwell They would like the following message posted as their condolence(s): Cathy, My sincerest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Doctor Kelley was a wonderful man, loved by many and respected by even more. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. You now have one more guardian angel looking out for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Gary Pace Dear Susie, Cathy, Kristina & all the Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your Dad was such a kind, gentle man who loved life and helped so many people. Thinking of you, Joan Crocker Sheridan Cathy, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Dad. This is always a difficult time and one does not know what to say to give you comfort. I had met and known your Dad only briefly but could tell that he was a kind and gentle soul who served his patients well. God Bless him and your Mom for they are now with the Lord enjoying everlasting salvation. Ed Lenkiewicz Sue, Cathy & Chrissy, I wish I could be there to offer my condolences in person but between work and airline flights I can't be there so I am sending this note. Your dad was a wonderful, kind man who touched so many. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Pat Gladstone Dear Cathy, Sue and Chrissy. My deepest condolences to you and the rest of your family. Your dad was a wonderful man and well respected physician in the community. Your parents were good friends of my parents for many years. You will have some wonderful memories of your parents. I can still remember seeing your dad at the basketball games. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. All our love...Chris & Kip Kris, Sue and Cathy, I am so sorry for your lost. Our sincere condolences...he was a great man. Deb ( Morse ) and Jim Luchsinger