John Kelly

Officer John Kelly was killed on July 17, 2000, when his cruiser struck a utility pole during a pursuit of a stolen vehicle. He was a member of the department’s auto-larceny unit. He was on patrol when he stopped a motorcycle with stolen license plates. The suspect took off and a pursuit followed. Officer Kelly collided with a utility pole while trying to apprehend the suspect. Officer Kelly was 31 years old at the time of his death. 

Kelly had been with the New York City Police Department for nine years. He grew up in the Oakwood section of Staten Island. Three of his brothers joined the NYPD: Thomas, James, and Daniel. He joined the department in 1992. He was a committed officer and a warrior in the never-ending war on crime. He was a decorated officer with four commendations during his career. He went above and beyond the call of duty for the people and the community he loved. He was awarded the agency’s Medal of Honor posthumously. 

In April 1996, Kelly married Patricia Duffy, also a member of the NYPD. They had two sons, Sean and Christopher. He was a dedicated husband and father who loved his family above all else. He will be remembered as a hero, a role model for his sons. 

Officer John Kelly is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Duffy-Kelly, his children, Sean and Christopher, his mother, Margaret, his brothers, Thomas, James, Daniel, Michael, Robert, and Patrick, and many other cherished family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Kelly family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.