Age 25. 244 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown (Boston), MA. Born 1/20/1917, in Charlestown. Died of burns (death certificate). Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, based at the Marine Recruiting Station, Manchester, NH. Was at the club with S/Sergt. Anthony Marotta, U.S.M.C., age 23, and the latter's wife Alice, age 20, of Lynn, MA, both dead. Trio was observed to be seated at a small table in the main dining room "just off the dance floor" (The Boston Post, 11/30/1942). Reported by two fire witnesses, one a Marine, that once outside he went back in through a window, pushed a girl to safety, and did not come out again. "There was little doubt that Sergeant Kelly [sic] was the unidentified Marine when...information received from Boston's auxiliary firemen stated that Sergeant Kelly [sic] had gone through a window to his death" (Manchester Union, 12/01/1942). Identity of his remains at Northern Mortuary in Boston was verified by his, "...Navy identification card pass, brother and family" (First Naval District inquest transcript, 11/30/1942). Joined the Marine Corps upon his 1938 graduation from Boston College High School. Was a recruiting officer based at Boston, Providence, RI, and Worcester, MA, before the above New Hampshire assignment. Was single. One of three Marine Corps victims of the disaster (also Capt. Walter Goodpasture, Jr., age 25, and the above S/Sergt. Marotta). One of five casualties from the Hub "neighborhood" of Charlestown (also Timothy Joseph McCarthy, age 38, Miss Kathleen McLaughlin, age 23, Miss Gwendolyn Snively, age 17, and Joseph Sullivan, age 27, all patrons). Parents Mr. Michael F., same address, and the late Mrs. Mary (Doherty) Kelley. Burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford, MA. Middle name Patrick.

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