William Henry Kelly

William H. Kelly fell asleep in the arms of the Lord on April 6, 2014 at the age of 73. Born June 27, 1940 in Kingston, NY, he was a prominent member of the Long Island Community, living in the Incorporated Village of Asharoken before retiring to Williamsburg five years ago, with his wife and children.

Bill attended Villanova University where he received his degree in electrical engineering. He went on to a Masters Degree in Economics from Georgetown University. While living on Long Island, he was the sole proprietor of WHK Leasing, a high technology equipment leasing company since 1976.

Bill successfully ran for Mayor of the Village of Asharoken in 1982 and continued his commitment to public service for the next 26 years. He worked tirelessly for the Village, as well as, the State of New York, and Suffolk County. Bill was President of the NYS Conference of Mayors in 1988 and President of the Suffolk County and Tri County Village Officials Associations in 1989. In 1999 he served on the NYS Local Government Records Advisory Committee, appointed by the NYS Commissioner of Education, and had an annual award named after him for his major role in Local Government Records Programs.

Bill had a great passion for reading with a personal library of 6000 books. His favorite topic was history, in particular the Civil War. He was a member of the Civil War Roundtable in Williamsburg. Bill continuously promoted the ideals of conservatism throughout his life. He was a charter member of the Philadelphia Society, a member of the Heritage Foundation, as well as, a supporter of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. The ideals of these organizations shaped who he was as a public servant, husband and father. In his leisure time he enjoyed time with his family and fishing off the back deck of his home in Asharoken overlooking the Long Island Sound.

Bill was a lifelong Kiwanian starting out in Key Club at Kingston High School. He received the Legion of Honor for 30 years of service, as well as, the Hixson Fellow. He was devoted to the Northport/East Northport Kiwanis Club and continued his community involvement with the Williamsburg Kiwanis Club. He served as a member of the board from 2010 to 2013, Key Club Advisor to Walsingham Academy since 2011 and actively participated in all Kiwanis events throughout the year.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 18 years Ann Kelly, his daughter Morgan and his son Kevin of Williamsburg, his brother J Terence Kelly, niece Laura Garcia Kelly, nephew Paul Kelly of Miami, Florida and another brother Jeffrey Kelly of Kingston, NY.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 9, 2014 3:00 to 5:00 pm, and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg VA 23188. The celebration of the Divine Liturgy will take place at 10:00 am, Thursday, April 10, 2014 at the Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church, 114 Palace Lane, Williamsburg, VA 23185 followed by interment at Williamsburg Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church, 114 Palace Lane, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

The Kelly family wishes to thank the loving support of Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church, Walsingham Academy, Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg and all our friends and neighbors.