Daniel John Kelly

June 23, 1940 – March 3, 2019

Last March Dan died in Lake Forest, IL

Born in Binghamton, NY, he met his wife-to-be, Lois Lanshe, in grade school in Allentown, PA. and before Yale attended Central Catholic High School there. As a history major he was on the Dean’s List. In TD, where he roomed with Phil Stewart and Bob Wells, and served as vice-chairman and treasurer of the Mott Woolley Council, he edited the TD newspaper, the Town Crier, played touch football and was captain of the B basketball team. He was a member of St Elmo, Alpha Phi Omega, Yale Aides, Young Republicans, and the Rifle and the Thomas More clubs.

As a Naval Ensign during three years of medical school at the Jefferson Medical College, he worked with the first group of NASA astronauts-in-training at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. During his 12-year association with the Navy, he rose quickly to the rank of Commander, while completing a rotating medical internship and clinical and anatomic residencies. His years in the Navy coincided with the war in Viet Nam, which inspired in him a strong interest in skin diseases. He became one of the earliest pathologists to achieve board certification in dermatopathology, as well as in nuclear medicine. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal and the Presidential Commendation.

In civilian life, Dan practiced medicine at Highland Park Hospital in Illinois, and at St Joseph’s in Milwaukee. He was on the boards of Cabrini College and the Art Institute of Chicago.

As a young man, Dan was a passionate athlete and later loved watching football and golf with his grandsons. Frequently he traveled to the far north for fishing trips with his brother and his kids. He loved the English language and was (like many of us!) a stickler for proper grammar and usage. His constant companions were crossword puzzles and books, and he was a wicked bridge player.

From his obituary: Dan’s quick wit and seemingly easygoing nature endeared him to everyone who met him. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, a teacher, a mentor and mediator, a loyal Yalie and all-around true gentleman and scholar. His life was full. He will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lois, and three of his four children: Britton, Jeffrey, Reid, and was pre-deceased by his daughter Piper. His nine grandchildren include Socrates and Enzo Kelly, Everett and Winifred Kelly, Mason, Reese, and Hunter Kelly, and Esten and Chapin Moellering. Also his brother Dr William Kell, and sister, MaryEllen Kelly Cooper, and ten nieces and nephews.

Although in our undergrad years we were not close, I dined with Dan in TD and had very pleasant encounters at reunions. I agree wholeheartedly with the obit quote: Dan was always great company, witty, interesting and interested in us. I’m sad to see him gone.

– By John H. Stewart