Richard C Kelly

Richard Clark "Dick" Kelly, 76, of Lebanon passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. Born in Hagerstown, Maryland on September 21, 1946 to the late John Richard and Corine (Clark) Kelly, he was preceded in death by his newborn brother, Steven Patrick. Dick was a 1965 graduate of the St. James Preparatory School in Maryland. He credits the school with providing him the guidance he needed to excel during his high school years. After attending college for a year, Dick joined the US Army and became a commissioned officer. He then graduated from Jungle School in Panama before being sent to Vietnam for a tour in 1967. Upon returning to the States, Dick would leave the Army as a 1st Lieutenant and earn a bachelors degree from Mt. St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. While attending Mt. St. Mary's, Dick would meet the love of his life, Gail Ann Weise, while on a blind date. They would go on to be married for 50 wonderful years and have two sons. Dick was incredibly proud of the family he built as well as his career accomplishments. As Director of the North Central Secure Treatment Unit in Danville, Dick was awarded for running the best juvenile detention program in the state by then PA Governor Dick Thornburgh. Dick then went on to start numerous juvenile detention facilities for Cornell-Abraxas including a bootcamp program at South Mountain and alternative schools in Dauphin and Lebanon counties. A natural leader who mentored both juveniles and co-workers, Dick spent his entire career improving the lives of young men and women. In his free time, Dick enjoyed traveling with his family. He was especially fond of trips to the Florida Keys, Hawaii, Europe and Costa Rica. Dick was a history buff who was always impressing his family when watching Jeopardy. He was also an avid sports fan who spent time playing every sport, coaching little league baseball, and refereeing multiple high school sports. He loved the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens. Dick also loved playing golf with his numerous lifelong friends. His family and friends will remember his love for his many pets, rocking chairs, Maryland blue crabs, his wife's garden, train rides, and stinky cheese. Dick's smile, wit, and endless love for life will be greatly missed but forever celebrated by those who love him. Dick is survived by his loving wife Gail, sons Kolin and Benjamin, grandchildren Jacob and Nia, and extended family. Dick's final resting place will be at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Lebanon County in Dick's name. Interment with full military honors will be held on Tuesday October 17, 2023 at 11:30am. in the National Cemetery at Ft. Indiantown Gap. Immediately following the interment, there will be a luncheon gathering at the Community Center on post for family and friends.