David John Kelly

David John Kelly of San Diego was born on October 17, 1941 in Chester, SD to James and Clara (Rose) Kelly, the third of four sons. The family lived in several towns in the Dakotas and Minnesota because of his father's work as an electrical lineman. Dave was a member of the first graduating class (1959) from the high school in Silver Bay, MN, worked for Reserve Mining to save money for college, and graduated with a degree in Business and Economics from the University of Minnesota, Duluth in 1964. He joined the US Navy and served as a supply officer aboard the USS Pine Island, including tours of Viet Nam. Upon completing his USN service, Dave traveled around the world for several months before returning to San Diego to pursue an advanced degree from SDSU. He devoted time to self-taught music, singing and playing banjo and guitar in Emma's Gut Bucket Band. In addition, his interests included collecting musical instruments, photography, painting and sketching, carving, swap meets, fishing and collecting fishing gear. He drove a 1954 MG convertible and was a voracious reader of non-fiction. Dave passed away in March 2018 at home in the city he loved best, San Diego. He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by three brothers, Tom (Marilyn) of Council Bluffs, IA, Jerry (Cathy) of Babbitt, MN, and Steve (Sherry) Of San Diego, CA. He will forever be the “Favorite Uncle” of Shirley, Patrick, Mike, Maureen, Mark, Aileen, and the “Favorite Grand Uncle” of Danielle, Amanda, Nick, Jack, Thomas, Grace, Kate, and Joe. His persistence, encouragement, wisdom, wit, and interest in others will be sadly missed. Military Rites at Miramar National Cemetery San Diego, CA Monday, April 2, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Interment, June 2018, in the Kelly Family Plot Calvary Cemetery, Mankato, MN