Samuel Philbrick Kelley Jr.

Samuel Philbrick Kelley, Jr., 85, beloved husband of Barbara S. Kelley, died Thursday, April 2, 2020 from complications resulting from the Coronavirus. Born in the Philippines, and raised on Army posts around the world, with a special fondness for his time in New England, Sam retired to Colorado and was a longtime resident of Monument. Most recently Sam and Barb resided in Lakewood near his family.

Sam earned his BS from West Point in 1960 where he made many long-life friends and discovered a love of music. After graduation, he married his sweetheart Barb and served his country as a telecommunications engineer in the U. S. Army Signal Corps. During his military career, Sam was stationed in France, Germany, Georgia, New Jersey, Maryland, Hawaii and Colorado. In 1968 and 1969, Sam served his country in Vietnam. After returning to the states, Sam received his master's degree in telecommunications engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Sam retired from the military in 1980 in Colorado Springs. After job opportunities took him to Texas, Pennsylvania and Virginia, Sam and Barbara moved to Monument and started a videography business called A Pinetree Video. As a videographer, Sam was privileged to record the weddings of hundreds of Colorado couples throughout the years.

In his retirement, Sam enjoyed visiting historical sites, national parks, and presidential museums, as well as attending his granddaughters' sporting and school events. He would travel several times a year to visit with friends and family in Utah, Texas and when possible, New England. Sam loved cuisines from around the world, New England lobster and clam chowder, in particular, wine, music and reading. Sam was a loving father, husband, brother, and friend. He had an irrepressible sense of humor and warmth and enjoyed telling jokes, stories, and pulling the occasional prank. From his upbringing and his military background, he was hardworking, and exemplified courage and integrity in all things he did.

In addition to Barb, his wife of 58 years, Sam is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin H. Kelley and Patty H. Kelley of Denver, his daughter Heather M. Kelley, of Manhattan Beach, California, his sister Susan Millis of East Greenwich, RI, his brother David Kelley of Southington, Connecticut, his brother-in-law, Ralph Santoro of Salt Lake City, Utah, his granddaughters, Samantha Marie Kelley and Darby Hill Kelley of Denver and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Sam will be interred at Fort Logan, and a memorial service will be held later this year when people can safely gather again. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in Sam's memory, to the Disabled American Veterans Charity.

Committal Service:

Fort Logan National Cemetery
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80236
(303) 761-0117
https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftlogan.asp