Obituary of Sgt Phillip James Kelly

WATERVILLE SGT Philip James Kelly (RET), "PJ", son of the late Mr. Philip F. and Kathleen M. Kelly, passed away in his sleep May 6, 2015, ending his long struggle with many illnesses, including PTSD. PJ was born April 10, 1947 in Waterbury CT and was a graduate of Chevrus High School in Portland, ME. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. PJ attended Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT before being drafted into military service. SGT Kelly was a radioman assigned to 3/187 infantry, 101st Airborne Division "Rakassans" from 1968-1969. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. In his later years, Phil enjoyed his treasured interactions with numerous local businesses in the greater Augusta, ME area. This included coin and antique collecting, trading stories, and enjoying a steak dinner. His brilliance, kindness, laughter, generosity, and incredibly fantastic stories will live forever. He is survived by his sons David Kelly of Keene, NH, Phillip M. and his wife Shelly Callum Kelly of Claremont, NH, SSG Patrick J. Kelly and his wife Sarah A. Kelly of Fort Drum, NY. His brothers James Kelly of Gray, ME, and Greg Kelly of Yarmouth, ME, his sisters Mary Mitchell, Barbara Kelly, Alice Estabrook, all of Yarmouth ME, He was the proud grandfather of 6 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a contribution be made to the American Legion to which Phillip was a lifetime member, or the Wounded Warrior Foundation. Graveside services will be held privately at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yarmouth. Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine, Belfast. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.directcremationofmaine.com.