Notes for Vincent Donald Kelly: Vincent was given the nickname "Bud" after his Uncle Francis "Bud" Perkins. Francis was killed in action in Italy during World War II.
Bud inlisted in the Army in August of 1949. After Basic Training in Fort Dix, N.J., serving in Fort Bliss, Texas & Fort Tilden, N.Y., in November 1951 he was sent to Erlangen, Germany (eleven miles from Nuremburg) as part of the Occupation Forces. Most others at this time were shipped to Korea, where the Korean Conflict was at its peak. He always felt that someone had been looking out for him, as only one transfer went to Germany and it had his name on it. Everyone who knew him always said how lucky he always was.
He was honorably discharged from the Army on November 28, 1952. About two weeks later he met Elizabeth (Betty) Prettyman at a dance in Philadelphia. They married on August 27, 1955 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Secane, Pa.. After the wedding, they had an apartment in Holmes, Pa. until moving in January 1956 to Absecon, New Jersey with Betty's parents. After a year, they bought a house on Lee Avenue in Absecon and lived there for several years. All of their children were born in Atlantic City Hospital during this time.
Children: Kathleen Anne 6/7/1956 Kevin Michael 8/14/1957 Married Linda Offi Kenneth Vincent 8/26/1958 Married Frank Mazzeo Keith Dennis 11/24/1960 Married Jennifer Poli Kraig Robert 7/3/1962 Married Lisa Hansen Kris Thomas 3/23/1964 Married Renee Stretton
While the children where growing up, the Kellys moved to Northfield, New Jersey. They bought a house at 912 Ridgewood Drive and lived there until Bud retired in November of 1999. He worked first as a Paint Salesman, then as an Insurance Agent for Allstate Insurance Company in Pleasantville, New Jersey. In 19 he opened an office in Northfield with two partners. In 19 he started his own office in Absecon. Later four of his sons joined him, and their location became one of the top offices in the State. Bud and Betty enjoyed many exotic trips to various places as rewards for the great job the family was doing. Upon retirement, with thirty-three years with the Company, the boys took over the business and their parents lived happily ever after They bought a Condo in Ocean City, New Jersey and spent the rest of their time enjoying life. Since Bud and Betty both loved to travel, they bought a motor home. After several different ones, Bud got the one of his dreams, a Prevost Bus customized by Marathon Motor Coaches. Now, between Foreign and Domestic travel, they don't have enough hours in a day to do everything they like!
Grandchildren: Benjamin Mazzeo Alec Kelly Kaitlyn Kelly Joseph Mazzeo Colin Kelly Kortney Kelly Kelly Mazzeo Kaitryn Kelly Branden Kelly Kristen Mazzeo Emmalyn Kelly Megan Kelly Kami Mazzeo Claire Kelly Hunter Kelly
Brothers and Sisters: John Cunningham was the oldest of all the siblings. Nicknamed Jack, he had a pretty tough life. Because of his parents' separation, he and his brothers were sent to foster homes. Although his mother tried to keep them, she was not able and they were moved around quite a bit. Jack joined the Army early in 1941. He fought in World War II in Africa, Europe, and ended in Germany. He was wounded in France and received the Purple Heart. Upon returning home from the war, he met and married his girlfriend Mary. They traveled between Florida and New Jersey as he was a cook and she a waitress at Resort Hotels. They had one son, John.
Francis Cunningham, the second son, died as a child after being hit by a car.
Robert Cunningham was also placed in various foster homes. He was a big boy, and was always expected to work hard, even though he was young. Later he was placed in Byberry Mental Hospital. He was released shortly before his death.
Thomas Kelly was the oldest child of Tom and Florence. He was born with a heart murmur, and as a child developed Rheumatic Fever. He was left with a very bad heart that was always to be a problem. By age twenty-seven it was determined that he couldn't continue much longer without heart surgery. In 1957 this was very new and extremely dangerous. Tom decided that he would have the procedure. He was only the second person in Philadelphia to have this surgery, and the first one to survive. He was written into the medical books; and whenever he returned to the hospital for any reason, doctors would want to meet him. Tom is indeed a Miracle! He married Elizabeth (Bette) Keyes from Philadelphia. They have a residence both on Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, and Longport, New Jersey. According to Bette, Tom grew up in Fantasyland, thinking that his father was Judge Hardy from the Andy Hardy movies! He always did have a good sense of humor!
William Kelly was Tom's and Florence's third child. Bill marched to a different drummer, always doing things his way! He was probably the most like his father of any of the boys. He joined the Army, serving in Korea during the Korean Conflict. After returning home, he held various jobs in the restaurant industry, from waiter, to Maitre'D, to owning his own seashore luncheonette in Wildwood, New Jersey. He was an avid gambler all of his life, specializing in poker. He married Carol Oates of Philadelphia. They had four children: Patricia, Colleen, William and Bryan.
Marie Kelly was the first girl born into the family, and quickly became the princess of the household. She was a very pretty and outgoing girl who always had many close friends and was fun to be with. Marie married Donald McGettigan of Yeadon, Pa.. They had three children, Donald, Shawn and Kelly. After living in New Jersey, Don was transferred to Carlsbad, California because of his job with Boeing Aircraft. They lived there for several years, then transferred again to Mesa, Arizona. Don was a flight engineer working on military helicopters for many years. They retired happily in Mesa.
Regina Kelly died at about seven months.
Lawrence Kelly was the youngest of all of the children. He joined the Army and served in Asia on the Island of Formosa, a short distance from Mainland, China. These were very tense times politically, and everyone was glad when Larry returned home. Some time later he met and married Regina Descher of Philadelphia. Larry and Jean had three children: Lawrence, Donna and Janet. Most of their married lives have been spent in Drexel Hill, Pa. where they have enjoyed close friendships with many neighbors. He and Jean are both very good people who are always willing to help everyone in need. Larry became a very successful salesman in the printing business. They also purchased a Condo in Ocean City, New Jersey.
More About Vincent Donald Kelly: Occupation: Salesman.
More About Vincent Donald Kelly and Elizabeth Regina Prettyman: Marriage: August 27, 1955, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Secane, Pa..
Children of Vincent Donald Kelly and Elizabeth Regina Prettyman are:
Vincent Donald Kelly (b. June 09, 1931)
Notes for Vincent Donald Kelly: