By Sarah Moskowitz
Frank Kelly, a well-known East Rockawaian, died early Saturday morning in a fatal car accident. Kelly was driving alone along the Belt Parkway where it turns into the Southern State Parkway when he lost control of his car, according to reports from friends. Police officials have not released any information on the accident. Kelly's death comes just one week after his 45th birthday.
"He was the greatest guy," said Karen Barone, a friend of the family. "He had a personality that just smiled at you from across the room. He really loved life and when you were with him, you loved life too."
Kelly is best known for his participation in the East Rockaway School District athletics program and as a member of the district's Athletic Booster Club. All five of Kelly's children are athletes. Kelly's son, Frank, 20, set several records on the school's football. Kristen, 18, was an All-Division basketball player. Twins, Colleen and Megan, 16, currently play on several varsity teams and Jacquelyn, 11, runs on the cross-country team.
Those involved in the East Rockaway athletics system fondly remember Kelly for his involvement in and support of school athletics. East Rockaway High School coach Russell Pajer said he had the pleasure of coaching four of the five Kelly children and described Kelly as "a very polite, understanding man" who was very involved in the lives of his children.
"He was a very happy, loving man who loved his kids," said Pajer. "He was very proud of [them]. They were everything to him. He will be sorely missed in this community."
At the Monday night wake, Jimmy Lores placed a sweatshirt reading "Property of East Rockaway High School" on Kelly's casket, a gesture that was appreciated by the family. Lores is involved with East Rockaway High School sports teams as well as his brother Joe, who is a coach at the school. Both men said they would never forget Kelly.
"He was a terrific guy," said Joe. "He was a good family man, great father. I guess his legacy would be how great his kids are."
Kelly leaves behind a wife, Mary Beth, five children and a mourning community, all which will remember him for his love of life, love of the game and love for his children.
"Everybody brings something to this earth," said Mary Beth. "Frank brought laughter. Whether it was telling a joke or teasing about himself, he made everyone laugh. He was never alone. He was always surrounded by friends because they had a good time when they were with him."
Additional wakes were held on Tuesday afternoon and evening at Perry Funeral Home. A funeral mass service was offered at St. Raymond's Roman Catholic Church in East Rockaway yesterday morning. Kelly was privately cremated.
