Donald Wade Kelly

Donald Wade Kelly, beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Teacher, Coach, Mentor, Friend, and so much more. There are so few individuals to walk this Earth with a heart and a smile as big as his. He did everything in life with others in mind, to know him was to love him.



Donald Wade Kelly was born on August 14, 1927 in Long Beach, California. He was the eldest of three sons, brothers, John and Fred; respectively, to Alson John Kelly and Helen Ruth (Mitchell) Kelly. Donald graduated from Long Beach Woodrow Wilson High School in 1944. He was on three Championship Football and Track Teams, was Captain of the Track Team for two consecutive years, was the City Sprint Champ in both the 100 and 200-yard dash, and both League and CIF Divisional Champ in Track his Senior Year. He attained perfect attendance his Senior year and was an active member of the Future Businessmen Of America, the Wingfoot Club, the Ad Club, and the Aces Club.



Donald joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 where he served on the U.S.S. Chicago (Heavy Cruiser WWII) as a Radar Operator. While in the Navy, he pitched for the Ships Softball Team, going undefeated to win the Championship Pennant of the Orient. He was discharged on his 19th Birthday. After discharge, he enrolled at Long Beach City College, lettering in two seasons of Track. From there, he attended College of Emporia, Kansas, lettering in all three seasons as Captain of the Track Team while at the same time maintaining Honor Roll status and membership to the E Club. During his Senior year, he became the Athletic Trainer for the Football Team. As a form of repayment for his work with the Football Team, his remaining college expenses were taken care of once his G.I. Bill ran out. It was during this time that Donald attained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education; with minors in English, History, and Psychology.



Upon returning to his hometown, Donald attended Long Beach State for his Teaching Credential. While a Graduate Student, he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternal Organization, was the Colleges 1st Intramural Track man, of record; running in the AAU/All-Comers Meets; and played Intra-Fraternal Football. He also played 3rd Base on a State Champion Softball Team (Congress Level) while running the Colorado Lagoon and Marine Stadium at night.



Donald was hired at Whittier High School at the age of 25; whereby, he began his nearly 60 years of devoted service to the School he loved so much. He taught World Cultures, U.S. History, California History, Special Education (Reading), Senior Problems, Drivers Education and Training, Physical Education (Department Head), coached Track and Football, and was involved with the New Horizons Program, the District Purchasing Committee and a member of the Curriculum Development Committee for Whittier College.



Continuing to be actively involved in both the Long Beach and Whittier communities, Donald worked as an Umpire for Softball and Baseball through the Long Beach Recreation Commission. It is during this time that he met Hilda Marie Baglietto, she the Catcher for the Bank of America Womens Softball Team, he the Umpire. Thinking he was cute it was Hilda who used to tease him like no other, taking a seat on 2nd base, waving and shouting, Yoo Hoo, Umpire! Ultimately, it was Hilda who stole his heart. They married in 1953 and moved to Whittier; shortly thereafter, so that they could live close to their workplaces. A few years down the road, they welcomed their 1st Daughter, Karen Frances on May 28, 1959. Sixteen months later, a 2nd Daughter arrived in the Kelly Family, Sharon Ann, born on October 19, 1960.



Donald retired from Whittier High School in 1990 at the age of 63; however, returned to the School for another twenty-one years of service. Fondly referred to as, the Voice of the Cardinals ---- he was the Announcer for all Varsity Home Football games, Basketball Timer (both Boys and Girls all levels), and Timer for the Wrestling, Volleyball, and Swim Teams since the mid-1950s up until the age of 84. His invaluable service to the City of Whittier also included, taking part in Annual Muscular Dystrophy Fundraisers and volunteering to be a driver in the Uptown Whittier Christmas Parade for several consecutive years; almost always, escorting the Grand Marshall. He also pitched and played 3rd base in the area Fast-Pitch Softball League with his brother John and son-in-law Rick up until the age of 65.



Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Hilda Marie (Baglietto) Kelly in 2010 and also by his younger brother, Fred, earlier this year. He is survived by his brother John, his nieces; whom he adored, his two loving daughters, Karen Frances Kelly-Dillenbeck and Sharon Ann (Kelly) Bowe along with his two son-in-laws Randy Dillenbeck and Rick Bowe. He leaves behind his grandchildren who meant the world to him - Derek Austin Bowe, Garrett Ryan Bowe, newly married Shannon Ashley (Bowe) Gandara, husband John Gandara, and his great grandson John Anthony Gandara, II.



He will be missed more than words could ever express by his family, ex-students, athletes, and friends alike. A public viewing will be held on Thursday, July 24th from 6:00pm 8:00pm at White Emerson Mortuary 13304 E. Philadelphia St., Whittier, CA and a Private Burial Service will take place on Friday, July 25th at All Souls Cemetery, Long Beach, CA. Memorial Services celebrating Coach Kels life and legacy will be held on Friday, August 1st at the Vic Lopez Auditorium, Whittier High School. Doors open at 10:30am, event begins at 11:00am. Please come and share with us your stories, fondly referred to as Don-isms some laughter and some tears. Light refreshments will be served immediately following the event and we ask that you please wear something Red. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Whittier High School Alumni Association, Donald W. Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund and always, always love you, Whittier High.