Eugene R. Kelley

 Eugene Raymond Kelley

October 30, 1927 – September 8, 2024

Beloved husband to Eileen, father to Allison, Adrienne, and Buddy, grandfather to six grandchildren and great-grandfather to three great-grandchildren.

Gene was dedicated to his law enforcement and military careers which he served with honor and distinction.

Orphaned at an early age, Gene ran away and joined the Marines at 17 years old.  During this time, he met and married the “love of his life” Eileen O’Neill.  When he returned from overseas duty, he finished his formal high school and college education with honors while working a full-time job as a police officer and rising to the rank of detective in the New York Police Department.  After college, he enrolled in New York Law School, graduating third in his class and winning a prestigious award for proficiency in Constitutional Law, all the while working a full-time job in the New York Police Department.  He then earned a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College.

Gene practiced criminal law at Siben & Siben Law firm in Bayshore.  He then went on to become a Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney and headed up the District Attorney’s Narcotic Bureau.  In 1967, he was appointed as the Deputy Police Commissioner and Legal Advisor to Suffolk County Police Department.  In May 1973, he was appointed Police Commissioner.  During his time at the Suffolk County Police Department, he created Police Athletic League to foster positive role models of police officers for youth, established a Forgery Squad, Sex Crimes Unit, and Emergency Services, to name just a few. 

His next career steps included Chief Deputy Suffolk County Attorney, an Administrative Assistant District Attorney for Queens County/ Chief of the Narcotic Investigation Bureau, and later as a Deputy District Attorney of Kings County as the Chief of the Senior Affairs Bureau.  The Daily News newspaper called him the “Senior Citizens’ Guardian Angel” who targeted abuse cases against the elderly, and compared him to being a “rock” and a “fairy godfather” to the thankful seniors.  This was one of his most important and favorite jobs.  In short, he was an altruistic man with an incredible work ethic who excelled in helping others.

Additionally, Gene taught Criminal Justice classes at Suffolk College.  He also worked weekends marrying hundreds of couples over the years as a Head of the Harbor and Village Branch Justice of the Peace.  He really enjoyed uniting people under such happy occasions.

Most importantly, Gene was a dedicated family man.  Throughout his life, he was the best husband and father with an incredible sense of humor and a gift for telling jokes.  He loved making people laugh. He was also a talented self-taught musician who entertained friends and family playing organ, piano, banjo and guitar. Above all else, he was honest, kind, principled, good-natured, and loved life.  He brought joy to so many people.

Thank you for a lifetime of warm, beautiful memories.  We love and miss you. Rest in Peace now with Mom.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Suffolk Police Athletic league at the link below.

https://suffolkpal.com/

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.