William passed away peacefully on January 10, 2020 at Crest Pointe Care Center, Point Pleasant. His former wife and friend Lillian Kelly was at his side.

Bill was born in Kearny and was a lifelong resident of the shore area. He attended Manasquan High School where he received a varsity letter playing football.

World War II began, and Bill left high school to enlist in the US Navy. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Laffey, " The ship that would not die ". Bill received his "Purple Heart Medal" during the historic battle on April 16, 1945 that lasted 80 minutes aboard the Laffey.

During this battle " Bill " was the hero that retrieved the national ensign from the main deck that was knocked down by a Japanese Kamikaze. A wounded shipmate was laying outside of the wardroom with his leg blown off. He asked Bill, who was on his way back up to the signal bridge with the flag, if he could have it. Bill gave him the flag and he died clutching the flag to his chest.

After his U.S. Navy service Bill returned to New Jersey and delivered milk until he opened Shamrock Janitorial Services in Belmar.

Bill was an avid golfer, enjoyed boating and his horses.

He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Bessie Kelly, his brothers James and Thomas Kelly and a sister Marion Hirsch.

He is survived by his children, son Michael T. Kelly, four daughters and their spouses Maureen A. Kelly, Mary Wirtz and her husband James, Margie Moore and her husband Kenny, and Monica Bleiler and her husband Keith .

Bill was also the grandfather of thirteen and great grandfather of eight.

A memorial visitation was held on Monday, January 13, 2020 from 12
to 2 pm at Orender Family Home for Funerals in Manasquan, NJ with a funeral service which began at 1:30 pm.

William passed away peacefully on January 10, 2020 at Crest Pointe Care Center, Point Pleasant. His former wife and friend Lillian Kelly was at his side.

Bill was born in Kearny and was a lifelong resident of the shore area. He attended Manasquan High School where he received a varsity letter playing football.

World War II began, and Bill left high school to enlist in the US Navy. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Laffey, " The ship that would not die ". Bill received his "Purple Heart Medal" during the historic battle on April 16, 1945 that lasted 80 minutes aboard the Laffey.

During this battle " Bill " was the hero that retrieved the national ensign from the main deck that was knocked down by a Japanese Kamikaze. A wounded shipmate was laying outside of the wardroom with his leg blown off. He asked Bill, who was on his way back up to the signal bridge with the flag, if he could have it. Bill gave him the flag and he died clutching the flag to his chest.

After his U.S. Navy service Bill returned to New Jersey and delivered milk until he opened Shamrock Janitorial Services in Belmar.

Bill was an avid golfer, enjoyed boating and his horses.

He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Bessie Kelly, his brothers James and Thomas Kelly and a sister Marion Hirsch.

He is survived by his children, son Michael T. Kelly, four daughters and their spouses Maureen A. Kelly, Mary Wirtz and her husband James, Margie Moore and her husband Kenny, and Monica Bleiler and her husband Keith .

Bill was also the grandfather of thirteen and great grandfather of eight.

A memorial visitation was held on Monday, January 13, 2020 from 12
to 2 pm at Orender Family Home for Funerals in Manasquan, NJ with a funeral service which began at 1:30 pm.