Henry Francis Kelly

Henry F. "Coach" Kelly, age 93, of Stratford, formerly of Roslyn Heights, NY, beloved husband of the late Nell P. (Shopis) Kelly, passed away peacefully Friday, April 29, 2016 in his residence, surrounded by loving family. Born in Great Neck, NY, the son of the late Peter Kelly, Sr. and Jenny Kelly, he had been a Roslyn Heights resident for over 50 years prior to moving to Connecticut in 2003. Mr. Kelly served in the US Navy during World War II in both the European and Pacific theaters. He participated in the D-Day landing on Normandy in the 1st landing wave where he was called upon as a medic to aid the many injured and dying. He also participated in the Battle of Okinawa, and survived a Kamikaze attack. Following the War, Mr. Kelly graduated from NYU with a degree in Physical Education and Health and would later receive his Masters. He taught Phys Ed and Health for 36 years at Great Neck South Middle School, where he was a well-loved and respected coach of both their football & basketball teams. He also coordinated and ran the Great Neck Summer Recreation Program for many years. Henry was a member of the Great Neck Retired Teachers Association. Mr. Kelly wintered in Florida and summered on the east end of Long Island. He was an avid Chess player, still playing (and winning) up until his passing! Henry loved to ballroom dance with his wife Nell, and would never hesitate to join in to sing a favorite tune whenever the opportunity presented itself. Along with his loving wife, Nell, they raised three beloved daughters, Maureen Herrmann who predeceased them, Nancy (Kelly) Goyette and her husband Kenneth of Waterbury and Kathleen (Kelly) Dunne and her husband Stephen of West Hempstead, NY; additional survivors include his son by marriage, Tim Herrmann of Trumbull; six cherished granddaughters, Megan, Christina, Jessica, Colleen, Rebecca and Naomi; a brother-in-law, Donald Sullivan of Killingworth, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers. Friends may call Wednesday, May 4, 2016 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Military honors will conclude the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Young Life https://giving.younglife.org/Views/dp/donate/controller.cfm ; or Special Olympics https://donate.specialolympics.org/secure/make-gift-change-life