Well Dun: Schools benefit from Chris Kelly fundraiser

By Steve Svetovich

A benefit held this year at Saint Anthony’s Park in the name of late Dunmore musician Chris Kelly helped raise funds for the Dunmore High School Music and Art departments.

The Christopher J. Kelly Memorial Fund raised $2,800 which was donated to the Dunmore Educational Foundation, which in turn presented a check in the entire amount to the Dunmore School District for the Music and Art departments.

The late Kelly graduated from Dunmore High School in 1977. He went on to receive a bachelor of science degree in Art Education from Marywood University.

A highly-talented musician, he performed in local clubs in the late 1970s and 1980s. Andy Gavin’s, Gallagher’s, The Wine Cellar and Heil’s Place were a few of his regular local venue stops for gigs. He often performed with local musician Danny McGlynn.

Following his education at Marywood, Kelly became an Art teacher in the Virginia School System. He carved out a career as a teacher and was well-liked by students and peers.

He died two years ago at age 65 while living in Washington, D.C. Kelly had just retired. His friends had a “Celebration of Life” in his honor this past June 13 at Saint Anthony’s Park in Dunmore.

The memorial in honor of Kelly featured live music, food and beverages. Donations were collected for the Christopher J. Kelly Memorial Fund. Dunmore’s Pat Tigue organized the fundraiser.

“It is our hope that this will inspire at least one student to achieve the dream of becoming an aspiring artist or musician like Chris,” Tigue said.

“Chris was just a great guy. He was a musician, artist, and teacher. He had a lot of friends. He performed locally quite a bit in his younger years. He was a big part of the local music scene. He continued to perform after moving from Dunmore. What a great way to memorialize him.

“He was a great person, very friendly and personable. Chris was a great listener. He made you feel like you were the only person in the room. He listened when you talked to him.

“His late dad Paul Kelly was a schoolteacher at Dunmore. Chris also loved teaching. And he was great at it.

“He was a musician and artist his entire life and even wrote poetry. Chris was very talented. He had many friends still here in Dunmore. Many came to the memorial fundraiser in his name. It was a great success,” Tigue said.