Cover photo for Vincent Kelley's Obituary
Vincent Kelley Profile Photo
1961 Vincent 2020

Vincent Kelley

March 4, 1961 — September 20, 2020

Takoma Park, MD

Our loved one, Vincent Gerard Kelley, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2020. Born March 4th, 1961, he was 59 years old. He was a gentle giant, with the heart and soul of a crusader.

He was preceded in death by his father, James William Kelley. Survivors include his mother Mary Jane Kelley, brother William James Kelley and sister-in-law Karen (Josenhans), sister Margaret Rose Kelley, brother David Sean Kelley, sister Catherine Marie Kelley (Larry Bush), brother Daniel Morgan Kelley (Eileen Fisher), sister Teresa Anne Tillman and brother-in-law Mac Tillman. He leaves behind 2 nieces: Heather Kelley and Kelley Tillman, 4 nephews: Patrick Kelley, Matthew Kelley (and his wife Rachel), Sean Kelley and William Tillman, and 1 grand niece Eliza Jane Kelley. He also leaves behind numerous friends, cousins, aunts and uncles, too many to name.

Vince enjoyed spending time near the Chesapeake Bay, finding hidden fishing spots on the eastern shore, devouring good food - especially seafood. He loved listening to blues and soul music, cutting a rug, helping out a friend, and playing Santa at Christmastime. He loved his family and friends. He had a special place in his heart for animals and underdogs. He appreciated good stories and jokes, and sharing a laugh. We hope he’s met Jackie Gleason, George Carlin, Jonathan Winters and Robin Williams in the big comedy club in the sky. His favorite phrases included “Hip hip hooray!” at all our family birthday parties, “Ain’t life a blast,” and most of all “Keep smiling.”

In his younger days he was an avid motorcyclist, driving his Honda GoldWing (even in bitter winters) between his childhood home near Washington, DC and Portsmouth, Va while he served in the US Navy. After leaving the military, he earned a living as a tractor trailer pilot, hauling loads across country. He later switched gears and learned the HVAC trade. He earned his Journeyman license, both practicing and teaching the trade to others until his death. And anyone who’s seen his Facebook page knows he earnestly would’ve liked to have seen the presidency return to capable hands.

Vince didn’t want people mourning him. Instead, he wanted a party where we swap jokes, share laughs, dance and hug. But that will have to wait. Due to Covid restrictions and concern for the safety of all, his memorial service will be held at a later date. We will send out an announcement.

Donations can be made in Vincent’s memory to Aid Our Veterans. Their website is aidourveterans.net. Telephone number is 410-391-8721.

Please leave your memories and condolences here in the meantime. You may also send remembrance cards to his mother, Mary Jane Kelley, 10450 Lottsford Road, #1205, Mitchellville, Md 20721.

Thank you and “keep smiling.”

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Vincent Kelley, please visit our flower store.

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