Gerard "Jerry" Kelly

Gerard “Jerry” Kelly, passed away Saturday, June 18 after a three-year struggle with brain cancer. He was 70 years of age. Jerry was born and raised in Queens, New York and graduated from St. Francis College. As a Vietnam-era able-bodied male, he was drafted into the military yet served in Korea. During an Army field hospital procedure, he sustained a surgical accident severing his spinal cord rendering him paralyzed for life. Jerry would go on to live the model that we hope is achievable by all of our nation’s disabled veterans. He was well adjusted to living with a disability, integrated and active in his community, a hardworking family man, and dedicated his life to helping make the world a better place for all wheelchair users alike. He was a champion for disability rights and helped write portions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. He was an advocate for paralyzed veterans through a 35-year career with EPVA/United Spinal Association, serving first as the organization’s deputy executive director, and ultimately executive director prior to retiring in 2007. He lent his mature, thoughtful and gentlemanly nature to all endeavors. He was a friend, a leader, and a role model. Jerry is survived by his wife Lynn, daughter Carolyn, son-in- law Mike, and granddaughters Trinity and Faith.