Submitted by Georgia A. Gill-Elkins 

George Kelly
March 3, 2003
SOUTH BEND, Ind. March 4, 2003 (AP)--George Kelly, a 17-year assistant football coach at Notre Dame under Ara Parseghian, Dan Devine and Gerry Faust, has died at age 75.

Kelly died at his home Monday after a short illness, the university said.

Kelly was hired by Parseghian as Notre Dame's linebacker coach in 1969, and continued as an assistant until joining the athletic administration staff in 1986.

Notre Dame's defense ranked among the top 10 six times during Kelly's tenure, including 1974, when the Irish were ranked first, allowing 195.2 yards per game.

``I knew when I hired him that he would be great for us and for Notre Dame,' Parseghian said. ``One thing about George was that he was always a great Notre Damer. He is one we will really miss.'

Among the linebackers Kelly coached were Bob Golic and Bob Crable.

Kelly turned to coaching after graduating from Notre Dame in 1953 and became an assistant at Marquette in 1956 before moving to Nebraska four years later.

Kelly is survived by his wife, Gloria; three daughters and a son, who was a four-year football letterman at Notre Dame.

Submitted by: Dan Rich

George L. Kelly

July 6, 1927 - March 3, 2003

South Bend Tribune 3/6/2003

George L. Kelly, 75, of South Bend, Ind., passed away in his home after a brief illness at 8:03 p.m. Monday, March 3, surrounded by his family.

George was born on July 6, 1927, in Rockford, Ill., to Leonard and Elizabeth Kelly. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1953. He remained in South Bend and joined the football staff at St. Joseph's High School. The following year he assumed the head football coaching position at the school.

George became an assistant coach in 1956 at Marquette University. He then moved to the University of Nebraska where he spent eight seasons. In 1969 Ara Parseghian called George and asked him to return to his alma mater. George coached under three head coaches who are members of the College Football Hall of Fame - Devaney, Parseghian and Devine. Throughout his coaching career, Kelly coached with 174 different assistant coaches.

Kelly received numerous awards during his Notre Dame tenure: In 1989, Harvey Foster Award, given by the Notre Dame Alumni Association; 1990, University of Notre Dame Special Presentational Award; 1991, the Notre Dame Club of St. Joseph Valley Award of the Year; 1993, the Moose Krause Award from the Notre Dame Club of Chicago and the Edward Krause Distinguished Citizen Award given by the Notre Dame Quarterback Club; and 1997, the Moose Krause Award by the Notre Dame National Monogram Club as its member of the year.

On August 11, Kelly married the former Gloria Haddad. In August 2001, the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a gala affair with family and friends.

Our dad couldn't have been a better husband, father, grandpa and brother! We are blessed to have had him be an immeasurable part in our lives.

George spent many summer days at his "Heaven on Earth," Signal Point Golf Course, golfing with friends. He enjoyed strolling around his yard during beautiful summer days, and eventually this became known as "Dad's Yard Patrol."

George will be forever missed by his wife Gloria, daughters, Barbara, Patti, Lori (Mrs. Ronald Janowczyk), and Kevin (married to the former Carrie Reda); grandchildren, Alison, Lauren, Joe, Jake, Jack, Benjamin, Michael and Matthew; and sister, Marilyn (Mrs. Lyle Flynn).

Celebration of his life will be held in the Hickey Funeral Home, 17131 Cleveland Road, today, March 6, from 2 to 9 p.m., with the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, Friday, March 7, at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the George Kelly Scholarship Fund, c/o the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN.