Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Hugh Vincent Kelly, the beloved father of Brendan Michael and brother of Michael Joseph, died on December 13, 2022, in Edgewater, Maryland at 77 years old.

Hugh was a true Publican: the owner of Kel- lys’ Irish Times on Capitol Hill, an engaging host and gifted storyteller, and a man that friends and patrons would turn to for a sym- pathetic ear or a helping hand.

Hugh was born in Ballyclamay, Longford, Ire- land, to Michael and Josephine Kelly, as the oldest of six children. He emigrated from Ire- land in 1963, arriving in New York and making his way to Washington, DC in 1964. He opened his first Irish pub, My Mother’s Place, in 1968. He continued in the pub business, working as the General Manager of the Dub- liner pub on Capitol Hill before opening his own Irish pub next door, Kellys’ Irish Times, in 1978. He turned his pub into a cherished DC institution and helped countless individuals who entered the pub as patrons and exited as dear friends. Hugh changed lives, whether through employment, charitable actions, or support of all things Irish, including St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, Archbishop Carroll High School, the Police Emerald Society of DC, DC Fire & EMS, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Hugh was delighted to pass on ownership of the pub to his son, Brendan, in 2004, so he could enjoy retirement with his wife at his house on the South River in Edgewater, Maryland. He made many new friends in Edgewater, and loved boating and opening his home to family and friends, old and new. With his brilliant wit and generous spirit, Hugh touched the hearts of many. He will always be remembered for his passion for his wife, family, and friends; his love of Irish poetry and music; his knowledge of literature and history; and his warm hospitality and zest for life which continues on in his son, granddaughter, and staff of Kellys’ Irish Times.

Hugh was predeceased by his loving wife (Belinda), his brother (Matthew), and his sister (Maisy). He will be well remembered and cherished by his son (Brendan), his daughter-in-law (Julie), his granddaughter (Me- gan), his brothers (Michael and Brendan), his sister (Imelda McLoone), and his nieces and nephews. He will be missed and loved forever by his family, his close friends, and devoted caregivers (Virgina, Marigold, Jaime, Emmanuel, Marie), and generations of Kellys’ Irish Times staff and patrons.

The funeral mass celebrating Hugh’s life will be held at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, 1725 Rhode Island Avenue Northwest, on Saturday, January 14, at 2 p.m. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Anthony Catholic School in Brookland,
Washington, DC.

Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.

Hugh V. Kelly

Hugh V. Kelly

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