Kelly

Dr. Donald “Don” S. Kelly, 94, of Grove City, passed peacefully at home Friday, March 21, 2025.

Don was born in New Castle on June 17, 1930, and was the son to Virgil C. and Marian E. (Johnson) Kelly. He married Dianna L. McCandless Pack Bashline on June 29, 1996.

Don was a graduate of Slippery Rock High School, Ball State University and Indiana State University.

He served in the U.S. Navy as an aerial gunner for three years during the Korean War.

Don retired in 1990 from Slippery Rock University where he was a professor in the History Department for 28 years. Previously he taught for five years in Slippery Rock Area School District. He formerly served on the Board of Trustees at SRU.

Don was a longtime member of the Forestville United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of VFW Post 519, Grove City.

Don is survived by his wife, Dianna, at home; two sons, Donald L. (Lydia) Kelly and Gregory (Sandra) Kelly; a stepdaughter, Samantha Kelly; a stepson, Daniel (Teresa) Pack; 12 grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Joel Virgil Kelly.

KELLY — Family and friends of Dr. Donald “Don” S. Kelly, who died Friday, March 21, 2025, will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME, 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.

A funeral service will be held at noon Friday, March 28 at Forestville United Methodist Church, 124 Boyers Road, Forestville, Pa.

Burial with military honors will be held at Prairie Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Forestville United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be offered at cunninghamfhgc.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.