George W. Kelly

George was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 30, 1930 to Catherine Broderick and Edward Kelly. His father passed early in his life and he was raised in the loving home of his mother, grandmother, aunt and younger sister Mary Ellen. His childhood was spent working and earning a living, driven by his keen sense of adventure and deep desire for a greater life.

After graduating from West Catholic High School, he served in the Army during the Korean Conflict stationed in Germany in an intelligence division. Upon discharge, George attended the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business on the GI bill, an accomplishment in which he found great pride, his Wharton School cap being a constant in his eclectic wardrobe.

Most significantly of all, George met Violeta Barragan, of Lima Peru, the love of his life, while out at a party of international students in Philadelphia. She was impressed by his dapper style of dress, his stories of Germany, and his easy humor. They married in 1959 in Peru and enjoyed each other for a lifetime. Upon her passing in 2012, George continued her loving and friendly legacy through his maintained happiness and high spirit.

Work and opportunity brought him to Dallas in 1960, where he would put down roots and live an abundant life that spanned six decades. A 30 year career at Southwestern Bell took him across Texas’ highways and byways and impressed in him a love of the Lone Star State. He loved to learn, and liked to say, “I know a little bit about a lot of things.” He was an award-winning economic forecaster, served as president of the Dallas Economist Club and was a guest columnist for The Dallas Morning News. Never one to retire, he worked till the end, helping people with taxes and financial advice.

George’s prime role was fatherhood to his three children, Marie, George, and Teresa. He provided a safe home full of love and laughter. Frequent pool parties on the corner of Mill Creek Road brought great joy to friends and family. He was very involved in the Serra Club, Montserrat Retreat Center and St. Rita’s Men Club. As founding members of the St. Rita Catholic Community, George and Violeta raised their family centered on faith, love, and adventure.

George died with loved ones aplenty. With the additions of his daughter and son in-laws, Lisa and David, he found more children to love and care. His grandchildren, Willy, Abby, Cooper, Kieran, and Declan, live on in remembrance of their storied Papa. All those that have known George share common memories and feelings, of his abundant kindness and of his illustrious bliss. Over us, he and Violeta smile now, at the life they lived and the life we live for them.

Viewing and Prayer service will be held at 6:00pm on December 30 at Sparkman Hillcrest. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30am on December 31, 2014 at St Rita Catholic Church, 12521 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75244.

In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to St. Rita’s Catholic Church, http://stritaparish.net/online-giving. Online condolences can be made at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com