Daniel Joseph Kelly, GCMOb was certainly a success in worldly terms: The Notre Dame alumnus could point to many professional achievements, including managing the merger of two global accounting firms.
But at his July 27 funeral Mass at Holy Name Catholic Church in Birmingham, the Michigan Area Knight was remembered as a “partner with the Holy Spirit,” focused on God’s will rather than his own.
Dan, who served as president of the American Association from 2004 – 2009, died on July 19 at age 90 at his home in Bloomfield Hills. A longtime Michigan Area member, he joined the Order in 1989.
Holy Name pastor Msgr. John Zenz, who preached the homily at Dan’s funeral Mass, noted that Dan had been a partner in the accounting firms of Touche Ross and Deloitte. But as “a partner with God,” Dan strove to carry out the works of God in all areas of his life, Msgr. Zenz said. The Holy Spirit “inspired, sustained, and fulfilled” Dan’s efforts to do God’s will, Msgr. Zenz observed.
Presiding at the funeral Mass was Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger, a chaplain of the Michigan Area. The archbishop commented on how many people were present at the funeral, saying that their presence was a testament to Dan’s kindness and service.
Concelebrating were Michigan Area chaplain Msgr. Michael LeFevre, ChM, and Fr. Tim McCabe, SJ, president and CEO of the Pope Francis Center in Detroit. Acting as master of ceremonies was Fr. Karl Finkbeiner, associate pastor at Holy Name.
The funeral was attended by 26 Michigan Area Dames and Knights who formed an honor guard at the Mass. Also present was Dr. Peter Kelly, GCM, Association past president from 2018 – 2023.
Among the many who fondly remember Dan is the Michigan Area’s Peggy Stanton, DM, who served on the American Association board during Dan’s tenure as president. Peggy frequently traveled with Dan and his late wife Rosemary Kelly, DM to and from Association board meetings in New York, as well as on pilgrimages to Lourdes.
“I admired both of them enormously,” she said. “Rosemary and Dan are a prime example of taking a great hardship and turning it into help for many.”
The Kellys endured “extremely hard times” when their son John was diagnosed with schizophrenia in the 1980s, Peggy related. The couple cared for their son while trying to find a program that would provide both comprehensive treatment and follow-up care. Inspired by the Gould Farm therapeutic community in Massachusetts, the Kellys founded Rose Hill Center, a residential treatment program for adults with serious mental illness. Located on 400 acres in Holly, Michigan, Rose Hill Center provides residential care for adults aged 18 and older, treating all major mental health disorders. There are three program levels, depending on the individual’s diagnosis and treatment plan.
Peggy, who interviewed the Kellys on her Ave Maria Radio program, “Power from the Pews,” said the couple, while carrying their own cross, “built a place that lifted crosses for so many young adults with mental illness, as well as for their parents … Dan and Rosemary were the heart and soul of Rose Hill.”
As president of the American Association, Dan was “firm yet quiet,” Peggy recalled. “What really struck me was his humble, almost in-the-background style of leadership. He wasn’t ever bombastic; he was never trying to call attention to Dan Kelly. He just wanted to get the job done.”
Michigan Area chaplain Msgr. LeFevre also had a long friendship with the Kellys. Writing for the bulletin of St. Owen Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills, where he is pastor, Msgr. LeFevre drew a connection between the Kellys’ founding of Rose Hill and the Gospel reading for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Matthew 14:13 – 21 (the miracle of the loaves and fishes): “I was thinking about Rosie and Dan as I listened to this weekend’s readings. Their son John had access to everything in health care because their family was prosperous, but John needed something more. The Kellys were in search of a compassionate response to their son’s needs and when they couldn’t find it, they multiplied loaves and fishes to make it happen. They turned their gaze within.”
Monsignor LeFevre continued, “This is the first step in learning about spiritual resources. Going and buying may work in the physical world, but what works in the spiritual world is standing still and becoming aware. Knowing what you have is the first step of spiritual transformation.
“What the Kellys taught me is that no one takes and holds; everyone receives and gives. The result is participation in divine abundance.”
Dan is survived by his daughters Mary Jo Martin, DM (Bruce), Patty McNeill (Tom) and Theresa Inzitari (Shawn), and by his brother Robert Kelly, nine grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Rosemary and son John.
The family has suggested that memorial donations may be made to Rose Hill, 5130 Rose Hill Blvd., Holly, MI 48442.
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