Edward Kelly

Edward Michael KellyResident of San Jose Nov. 20, 1916 - May 1, 2011Loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather who passed away surrounded by family on May 1, 2011. Ed was born and raised in Salinas, California, the son of Edward M. Kelly and May Marguerite Pierson. Ed went on to graduate from Santa Clara University in 1939 with a degree in Business Administration. Met and married the love of his life, Muriel Elizabeth Adams and had two children, Maureen and Colleen who he proudly named. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II as a Staff Sergeant in the Finance Department. After his military service, Ed was employed by Pacific Gas & Electric Company for 42 years, retiring in 1981 as the Manager of General Services in San Jose. A life long supporter of the California Rodeo in Salinas, Ed served as the manager of ticket sales, was a director and Chairman of the Rodeo in 1956, the secretary in 1964 and named Advisory Director in 1971. His service to the Salinas Rodeo spanned nearly sixty years. He also served on the Salinas Planning Commission as a member and Chairman from 1964-1970, was a life member of the Monterey Historical Society, Life Member of the Salinas Elks Club, Life Member of the Knights of Columbus, Member of the San Jose Country Club, and Member of the Bronco Bench Foundation. Ed's crowning achievement was his volunteer work with the Athletic Department at Santa Clara University where he served as the Manager of Ticket Operations from 1981 to his last day. The late athletic director Pat Malley "hired" Ed as the Manager of Ticket Operations because of his past ticket experience at the Salinas Rodeo. During his 31 years as the the ticket manager, Ed formed many treasured friendships with SCU students, Athletic Department coaches and staff, faculty and staff of the University, Jesuits, alumni, and fans of Santa Clara athletics. Ed was extremely grateful for the opportunity to volunteer at the Athletic Department and credited his time there for keeping himself "young." Ed received many accolades from Santa Clara acknowledging his service to the University. In 1989 Ed was inducted as a member of the Fr. William C. Gianera Society; was inducted into the Santa Clara University Hall of Fame in 1990; received the Santa Clara University Saint Ignatius award for his many years of service with the University in 1992; and was recently recognized by the Bronco Bench Foundation at the 32nd Annual Bronco Bench Golf Classic in September 2010. Over the past 31 years, Ed could be found attending to the ticket needs of the men's and women's soccer, volleyball, basketball and baseball teams. In his free time, Ed was an avid enthusiast of both Golf and Tennis. In 1998, Ed was chosen by the athletic department to serve the first tennis ball on the then newly built Degheri Tennis Center outside the Leavey Activities Center. Due to his passion for the sport of tennis, Ed formed the Edward M. and Muriel E. Kelly Endowed Scholarship Fund, named in memory of his late wife to assist the SCU Tennis Athletes. Ed truly cherished his Jesuit education and his years of service at Santa Clara University. Ed was preceded in death by loving wife, Muriel, and daughter Maureen. Survived by daughter Colleen Campisi, son-in-law Jon Campisi, and nephew Terence Tweedie. His grandchildren, Colleen McPeek Bechtold, Maureen McPeek Worry, Robert McPeek III, Kelly Campisi Farwell, and Jon Campisi II. And his great-grandchildren, Stella, Giacomo, and Dominic Farwell, Kate and Jack Campisi, Annika, Nolan and Anton Bechtold, Megan and Morgan Worry, Robert and Emily McPeek. Fr. John Martin, S.J., presiding priest for Ed's funeral mass had these reflective words upon hearing of Ed's passing: "Through Ed so much good came into this world and into your family and for all who knew him. He really was a model for how to lead a life and recognize what is important in life - family, friends, service and a deep faith in God."A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 10th commencing at 2:00pm. Santa Clara University Mission Santa Clara de Asis, 500 El Camino, Santa Clara, California, 95053. Private burial will be at 10:00AM on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at Santa Clara Cemetery in Santa Clara, CA. Arrangements entrusted to Chapel of Flowers. An athletic scholarship fund honoring Edward M. Kelly has been established by Santa Clara University and all donations should be made as follows: The Bronco Bench Foundation c/o Edward M. Kelly Scholarship Fund Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA 95053.