Lawrence Kelly

Lawrence Kelly, 77, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the Chambersburg Hospital. Born December 4, 1945 in Philadelphia, PA, he was a son of the late Jean Marie Raffaele Kelly and step-son of the late Joseph Anthony Kelly.

A proud US Army veteran, Lawrence served his country honorably for 26 years. He was drafted during the Vietnam War, serving with the Americal Division (23rd Infantry) during the Tet Offensive. He also worked with Special Forces. He was stationed later in Korea, Germany, Alaska and other various parts of the US, until his retirement as a First Sergeant. He was a decorated veteran earning several medals including the Combat Infantry Badge, Meritorious Service Medal (Second Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (Second Oak Leaf Cluster), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Korean Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Sharp Shooter Badge Rifle M16, and Good Conduct Medal 8th Award.

Following his retirement from the US Army, Larry worked in Building 370 with missile component electronics at Letterkenny Army Depot. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Vietnam War Post 41 in Chambersburg, the South Mountain Rod and Gun Club and enjoyed being a little league baseball coach for his boys. He devoted his life to helping others, especially children and veterans. He enjoyed the outdoors, loved to walk in Caledonia looking for animal signs, and visiting the Gettysburg battlefields and museums. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, doing yard work and was the epitome of an Irish storyteller. He was a proud American Patriot and loved this Nation and all her people.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Carollynne L. Ripley Kelly; three sons, Eric Kelly, Patrick Kelly (wife Laura), and Christopher Kelly (wife Miriam); one grandson; one brother, Jackie Kelly (wife Kathleen Mary); two sisters, Kathleen Marie DiMonte, and Lydia Carol Mullen (husband Francis); and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his mother and step-father, Lawrence was preceded in death by several step-siblings; brother, Edward Kelly; and brother-in-law, James DiMonte.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 320 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201. Fr. Matthew G. Smith will officiate. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Chambersburg, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org. Condolences may be offered on his Book of Memories page at geiselfuneralhome.com.