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Philip Francis Kelly Obituary

Brought to you by Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes

Philip Francis Kelly

Portland, ME

July 4, 1923 - October 15, 2021

Philip Francis Kelly Obituary

Portland - Philip Francis Kelly, of Portland and Long Island, Maine, passed away peacefully on October 15th, 2021, with his loving wife, Anne, by his side. A Renaissance man, he was a gentleman to the core, exemplifying the traits of resilience, courage, integrity and love. Phil was born on July 4th, 1923, in Philadelphia, to Frank D. Kelly and Rose Crookston Kelly. Growing up during the Depression, Phil helped to support his family by working at his brother's newspaper stand from the age of six. It was his first foray into the world of print and paper, the beginning of an arc that would define his professional life. Phil attended Roman Catholic High School, where he developed a great sense of curiosity and a love of learning. He edited the school newspaper, excelled at academics, and graduated with honors. Phil enlisted in the Navy and became an accomplished naval aviator. He took his first solo flight in 1943. Phil received his wings and commission in Dec. 1944, and was carrier qualified in 1945 aboard the USS Guadalcanal, faithfully serving his country as well as discovering a life-long passion for flying. He continued to fly for sixty years and earned his glider rating in 1985. In 2013, Phil received the coveted Wright Brothers "Master Pilot" Award from the Federal Aviation Administration, a rare and fitting tribute to a pilot of his caliber. Phil graduated from LaSalle University in 1948. During this time, he met his first wife, Flora Esposito, and married into her loud and loving Italian family. He also started his first printing business from the basement of his sister-in-law's home. Phil founded Strathmore Press, and developed it into a successful printing business well known throughout the Delaware Valley for more than fifty years. Under Phil's steadfast leadership, Strathmore Press was renowned for its quality, earned the esteem of its customers, and was awarded many commendations. Personally, Phil received the "Neographics Person of the Year Award" in 2004. Yet he always remained modest and true to his values. He was a model employer, treating those who worked for Strathmore with respect and consideration, and providing good jobs for so many. Phil knew all his employees by name, knew their families, and actively assisted in furthering their skills and education. A businessman ahead of his time, he strongly believed in supporting the careers of women in a field dominated by men, through education and mentorship. Generous with his expertise and resources, Phil took great pleasure in helping others succeed. He helped to establish and support many other businesses in the printing field. In his family life, Phil was also ahead of his time. As a father, he never minded changing diapers or cooking dinner. He loved taking his children on trips to places both at home and abroad, ensuring that they learned an openness to the world and a respect for others. In addition to being our role model and hero, he had a dry wit with great delivery that kept us laughing till his end. In his later years, he traveled the world with his cherished wife, Anne, pursuing another of his passions-photography. He was a true adventurer and was always up for a challenge, whether it was hiking in Scotland or photographing the beauty of rural Sicily. But more than anything he loved his family, and was just as happy sharing a fun meal of Prosecco and sushi with a grandson as he was exploring international locales. After Phil retired in 2000 he moved to Amelia Island, Florida, where he spent the next twenty years loving life, enjoying his family and friends, and flying his beloved Bonanza. Throughout his life, Phil was a quiet philanthropist. He sponsored flight school scholarships, educational initiatives, and was particularly dedicated to helping children in need. Phil was also a charter member of the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, and was an ongoing supporter of the museum. Phil is survived by his loving wife, Anne Davis Kelly; his sister, Rosalie Fox; and his five children who cherished him deeply: Trish, Michael (Patty), Philip Jr. (Laura), Brian, and Vanessa (Randy Sykes). He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in law, and many nieces and nephews. Phil will also be greatly missed by Philip and Leslie Kret and nephew, Alex Walker. Phil was preceded in death by Flora, his first wife, and his son-in law, Cary Rudman. A service in Phil's memory will be held on Long Island Maine in June, 2022. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider being vaccinated or make a donation to the charity of your choice.

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Events

Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Philip Francis Kelly.