Obituary of David L. Kelly

David L. Kelly, a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the US Army, passed away unexpectedly on February 16, 2023 at the age of 50.

David was born June 22,1972 in Bangor, Maine to his loving parents Paul R. and Carolyn A. (Welch) Kelly. He spent his younger years in his hometown and attended Bangor High School, where he played football for four years.

Surviving in addition to his parents of Bangor are his two daughters, Kathryn Ross and her husband, Kyle of Orrington and Gabrielle Secord of Glenburn; three grandchildren, Ivy and Henry Ross and Walter Secord; two sisters, Stacie Kelly of Shapleigh and Samantha Kelly of Bangor; nieces and nephews, Mark Kelly and Brody Duran, Savannah Beede and Tricen Genest.

At the age of 23, David enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He valued his service highly and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. As part of this service, he spent many years at Marine Corps Depot Parris Island where he was a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare Specialist and instructor, training thousands of recruits a year. During his last two years in the Marine Corps, he was a recruiter in which he inspired many to become Marines. After 12 years as a Marine David discharged with honors from the USMC to enlist in the US Army where he served another 11 years and became a combat veteran of Iraq.

David retired with honors from the US Army as a Sergeant First Class after a combined 23 years in the US military. During this time, he received commendations for his dedication and bravery to include a Bronze Star, a Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals and a Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal to name a few. The discipline and patriotism he learned while serving his country never left him, as friends and family will attest. 

David had many passions in his life and loved to share them with those close to him. He was an avid golfer, life long New York Giants fan, homemade salsa maker and professional family road tripper. David was a collector of hats, wives and only the best Kentucky Bourbons. He will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, sneaking candy to his grandchildren and pushing the boundaries of his living room with the biggest T.V. he could fit into his home. David’s career took him all over the world but his family brought him back home to Maine. Time spent with those he loved is what David valued most. He will be missed beyond measure.

A service honoring David’s life will be held Friday, April 14, 2023 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor ME. Visiting hours 11 am to 1 pm, 1pm funeral service followed by 2 pm graveside service. Burial with military honors will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor, ME. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. Messages and memories may be shared with his family on the tribute wall of kileyandfoley.com.