Edward A. ?Ed? Kelly, 88, a long time Ilion resident, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007, at the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, Ilion, with family by his side. Ed was born Sept. 3, 1918, in Utica, son of the late William and Ruth (Perl) Kelly. He attended Utica schools and was a graduate of St. Francis DeSales High School. Ed was a proud veteran of World War II, serving with the 390 Bomb Group (B-17 Bombers) of the U.S. Army Air Corps based in England. His unit flew more than 300 missions in Europe, Ardennes, Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland during the Air Offensive in Europe, and received two Presidential Citations. Ed received the following decorations and citations; The Distinguished Unit Badge, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged Sept. 30, 1945, as Staff Sergeant. On July 14, 1945, he was united in marriage to Helen L. Lynch by Helen's uncle, the Rev. John Kehoe at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Frankfort. They shared a blessed and devoted union of almost 54 years until Helen's passing on June 3, 1999. Ed was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Ilion for 22 years, retiring in 1978. He was also co-owner/operator of Kelly's Sales and Service of Ilion and Herkimer with his wife Helen for many years, retiring from that in 1982. Ed was a parishioner at the Church of the Annunciation for many years, a member of the Ilion Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 229 in N. Utica, the 390 Bomb Group Veterans, and at one time was a dedicated volunteer with Hospice. He was a dedicated and devoted family man, whose life centered around his loved ones. Survivors include four daughters and sons-in-law, Anne and Salvatore Arcuri of Marcy, Maureen and Dennis O'Connor of Pepperell, Mass., Theresa ?Terry? and James Costello of Herkimer, Sheila and Steven Conant of Glenmont; one son, Michael Kelly of Saco, Maine; eight cherished grandchildren and spouses, Joseph and Holly Arcuri of South Glens Falls, Michael and Kristine Arcuri of Marcy, Salvatore Arcuri Jr. of Marcy, Kelly O'Connor and her fianc? Christopher Kitchin and Kristen O'Connor all of Mass., Colby Costello of Herkimer, Sydney and Madson Kelly of Maine; one great-grandson, Matthew Arcuri, his step-grandchildren James and Barbara Costello, Melissa and Kelvin Sperry, and Kimberly Costello; his step-great-grandchildren Kelsee and Kacey Sperry and Sarah and James Costello Jr.; a brother-in-law Raymond Lynch of Vestal; several nieces and nephews including Pat Lamandia and Kathy Olney, and also Ed's many friends. Ed was predecesed by his wife Helen and brothers Francis, Nicholas and Frederick Kelly and his sister Ruth Campbell. Family and friends are invited to visitation Sunday, Feb. 4, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Applegate and Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion. The Ilion K of C service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Ed's funeral services will be held Monday, Feb. 5, commencing at 9:15 a.m. at the Applegate and Day Funeral Home, Ilion and 10 a.m. at the Church of the Annunciation where the Rev. Anthony Barratt will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will take place this spring along side Ed's beloved wife Helen in St. John's Cemetery, Newport, with full military Honors at a date and time to be announced. In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorial contributions in Ed's name to Hospice or the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home Foundation. Donation envelopes are available at the funeral home. Ed's family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. William Ryan and his fourth floor ?Angels? at the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home for the care and compassion shown to Ed and his family. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.