Evening of Hope- Mardi Gras

To make a donation in Mike's memory, click the donate button above.

To purchase tickets or to become a sponsor, click here.

Michael Patrick Kelly, Sr. died on January 10, 2022, at age 65 after a long battle with gall bladder cancer. He left behind his wife, Deanna, and their two adult children, Joanna, and Patrick. He is also survived by his twin brother, Dr. John D. Kelly IV, and his younger sister, Mary Ann Kelly MacDonald, along with their respective spouses and families.

Mike grew up a block away from his family’s historic Irish pub, Kelly’s Logan House, in Wilmington, Delaware. He was an accomplished athlete, playing football, wrestling, and throwing the shot put in high school. He continued with football and track while attending Columbia University and was also an undefeated amateur boxer. Athletics formed his competitive character and his favorite family motto: “Kellys don’t quit”.

Mike got his law degree at the Dickinson School of Law and went on to practice law for 37 years. He served as Chairman of McCarter & English from 2009 to 2019 and remained involved with the firm until his death. He loved to try cases and represented many big corporations and causes, as well as many individual clients (often on a pro bono basis). He was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers as well as the recipient of many recognitions and awards, most recently, the Profile in Courage Award from the Delaware State Bar Association. He was also a comedian and spoke at many public events. He had the rare gift of brightening every room he walked into, exuding kindness and sincerity while sharing his litany of jokes.

Mike and his family first became involved with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation after his son, Patrick, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 10. It took several months for a proper diagnosis to be made, and several years for the doctors to get Patrick’s symptoms under control with the appropriate medications. That period was very difficult for Patrick and his family. Thankfully, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation was there to provide much-needed educational and emotional support. Mike and the rest of the family embraced the hope for a cure embodied by the Foundation. They participated in many Take Steps walks and other fundraising efforts over the years, including hosting several Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation events at Kelly’s Logan House. In 2014, when Patrick was a senior in high school, he was recognized as the Honored Hero at the Delaware Take Steps walk, with his family and many friends in attendance. Mike was a big supporter of the cause and proudly wore his “Got Guts” blue plastic bracelet at all times.

The Kelly Family is forever grateful for the role the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation played and continues to play in providing support and hope for a cure to this terrible disease.

To purchase tickets or to become a sponsor, click here.