Donald E Kelly, Jr.

Donald E. Kelly, Jr., 71, of Lopatcong Township, NJ, died Monday, January 25, 2016.

Born October 31, 1944 in Phillipsburg, NJ, he was a son of Gladys M. (Peacock) Kelly of Phillipsburg and the late Donald E. Kelly, Sr., who died January 24, 2016.

He was a member of Phillipsburg High School Class of 1963.

In August of 1965, Don entered the Army where he served with the Headquarters and Headquarters and Service Battery, 3rd Battalion, 34th Artillery, 9th Infantry Division, APO 96373 during the Vietnam War. He attained the rank of Specialist 4 and was a Radio Telephone Operator. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism "for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force" on June 28, 1967.

Although he was baptized in the Methodist faith, he regularly attended St. Mary's Church, Alpha, NJ with his family.

Don and his wife, the former Karen Wynkoop observed their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary April 12, 2015.

Don began working for Binny and Smith, Easton, PA in the maintenance department before entering the Army. After his honorable discharge, he worked for Muten Food Service at Ingersoll-Rand, Phillipsburg, then worked for Correct Craft where he  prepared and transported boats to dealerships along the east coast. He retired from the New Jersey State Dept. of Corrections, Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Clinton, NJ where began as a food service  assistant and later worked as a teacher's aide in the horticulture department. He also volunteered for many years at the Ingersoll-Rand annual Christmas parties.

Don was a formerly active member in the Phillipsburg Masonic Lodge #52 Free and Accepted Masons; Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Forest 14 and the Forks of the Delaware Shrine Club Tin Lizzies.

Don enjoyed boating, water skiing, swimming, and he will be remembered for being a kind and caring man who always quietly helped others, liked to laugh and enjoyed time he spent with family.

In addition to his mother and wife, Don is survived by a daughter, Bridget E. Kelly of Lopatcong Township and her fiance Shawn Willis; five cousins, Wallace Smith, Richard Greenhalgh, Roz Booth, Gary and Sandy Weston and several nieces and nephews and his Goddaughter, Deborah Bodogh.

His only brother, David E. Kelly died in 1990.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, January 31, 2016 in the Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home, 289 South Main St, Phillipsburg, NJ. Services will begin at 7:00 p.m. Cremation will be private following the services. Burial will be in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations to the Relay for Life, St. John's Angels to benefit the American Cancer Society. Checks made payable to the American Cancer Society can be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be submitted at www.noto-wynkoop.com.

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