http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2009/012009/01022009/436223
The high winds across Northern Virginia on New Year's Eve brought tragedy for Fredericksburg City Councilman Matt Kelly and his family.
The Rev. Michael C. Kelly, older brother of the councilman, was driving to the funeral service of a fellow priest when he was stopped by a fallen tree on Harmony Church Road in Loudoun County. He got out of his car to move the obstruction, and was killed instantly by another falling tree.
The 53-year-old graduated from what was then Mary Washington College in 1984. He was the pastor of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Purcellville.
"We are very stunned," Cindie Kelly, wife of Matt Kelly said, speaking for her entire family. "He was an amazing person."
Cindie Kelly said the loss was amplified by the close bonds in the Irish-Catholic Kelly family, particularly between Michael Kelly and his two brothers. She has been married to Matt Kelly for 30 years, and also graduated from MWC in 1984.
"For me, I didn't lose a brother-in-law, I lost a brother," she said. "He was an extremely intelligent, funny, creative, kind and loving man."
Family members and St. Frances de Sales officials were making funeral arrangements yesterday.
A viewing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at the church, with a funeral Mass scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday. The Rev. Paul Loverde, bishop of the Arlington Diocese will officiate.
For more information, visit stfrancisdesalescatholic church.org
Jonas Beals: 540/368-5036
Email: jbeals@freelancestar.com
The high winds across Northern Virginia on New Year's Eve brought tragedy for Fredericksburg City Councilman Matt Kelly and his family.
The Rev. Michael C. Kelly, older brother of the councilman, was driving to the funeral service of a fellow priest when he was stopped by a fallen tree on Harmony Church Road in Loudoun County. He got out of his car to move the obstruction, and was killed instantly by another falling tree.
The 53-year-old graduated from what was then Mary Washington College in 1984. He was the pastor of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Purcellville.
"We are very stunned," Cindie Kelly, wife of Matt Kelly said, speaking for her entire family. "He was an amazing person."
Cindie Kelly said the loss was amplified by the close bonds in the Irish-Catholic Kelly family, particularly between Michael Kelly and his two brothers. She has been married to Matt Kelly for 30 years, and also graduated from MWC in 1984.
"For me, I didn't lose a brother-in-law, I lost a brother," she said. "He was an extremely intelligent, funny, creative, kind and loving man."
Family members and St. Frances de Sales officials were making funeral arrangements yesterday.
A viewing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at the church, with a funeral Mass scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday. The Rev. Paul Loverde, bishop of the Arlington Diocese will officiate.
For more information, visit stfrancisdesalescatholic church.org
Jonas Beals: 540/368-5036
Email: jbeals@freelancestar.com
