William Kelly

William M. “Bill” Kelly, 85, of Cordova, TN, passed away on January 1, 2026, at Regional One Health Center as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born on August 17, 1940, he was the son of Thomas and Mary Kelly of Pittsburgh, PA.

Bill was a proud United States Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam War as a maintenance officer, rising to the rank of Captain. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his contributions to the Linebacker II initiative. Following a distinguished Air Force career, he spent 20 years with the U.S. Navy as a Manpower Planning Engineer. In retirement, Bill devoted his time to serving others. He was an active volunteer at the Saint Vincent de Paul Food Mission Soup Kitchen in Memphis, TN, and generously shared his love of mathematics by tutoring high school and college students. Nothing brought him more joy than seeing others achieve academic success.

Bill found contentment in simple pleasures, especially when shared with the people he loved. He cherished dinners with friends and the occasional “adult beverage.” He often reflected on his life with the words, “I didn’t have the life I imagined, but I never could have imagined the life I had.” His generosity extended to his great-nieces and great-nephews, whose post-secondary accomplishments he celebrated with gifts that continue to shape their futures in ways they, too, could never have imagined. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas and James and their respective wives (sisters-in-law) Mary-Ann and Mary Jane Kelly; and his close friend, Douglas Jones. He is survived by his dear friend and confidant, Leslie Jones; eleven nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and a continually growing number of great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

Visitation will be held on January 12, 2026, from 10-12:30 p.m. in the Edward P. Kanai Funeral Home, 500 Greenfield Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15207. a Blessing Service will be held at 12:30 p.m. following visitation in the Funeral Home. Internment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. 

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