[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 93 (Monday, June 11, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF ROLAND KELLY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 11, 2007

  Mr. DONNELLY. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Roland 
Kelly, a 16-year member of the South Bend Common Council, World War II 
veteran, and beloved member of the community. Mr. Kelly lost his battle 
with a strep infection on May 26, 2007.
  Born and raised in Port Chester, New York, Mr. Kelly enlisted in the 
United States Navy at age 17 to serve in WWII. He graduated from the 
University of Notre Dame in 1950 and remained in South Bend to work in 
broadcasting until 1972. At WSBT-TV, Mr. Kelly served as the news 
anchor and the news director. Though a natural in front of the camera, 
Mr. Kelly began a new career at the local bank where he served as the 
Vice President and Director of Marketing, and he would retire as the 
Director of Business Development. Throughout his life, he dedicated 
himself to bettering the community through volunteering and mentoring.
  Mr. Kelly was a member of many boards and committees, but most 
notably he sat on the South Bend Common Council as Vice-President until 
his death. Described as the ``peacemaker'' by fellow council members, 
he sponsored an anti-gun ordinance in 1991 and was instrumental in 
including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in anti-
discrimination laws. Mr. Kelly was also influential in revamping a tax 
abatement ordinance which has fostered millions of dollars of new 
investment in our community. Committees he sat on included the 
Information and Technology committee and the Community and Economic 
Development committee, and he was chairperson of the Community 
Relations committee. For his dedication to the community, Mr. Kelly was 
inducted into the South Bend Community Hall of Fame in 2001.
  Our community has lost a beloved family member, generous friend, 
devoted father, doting grandfather, and Notre Dame's most enthusiastic 
fan. He was described as a ``ham at heart'' and was often seen 
performing in theatre and music groups. Off-stage, Mr. Kelly never 
missed an opportunity to share a witty story.
  Mr. Kelly leaves behind three children, seven grandchildren, a great-
grandson, and countless friends. His ever-present energy and humor will 
be dearly missed. It is with great pride that I celebrate the life and 
service of Roland Kelly.

                          ____________________