Daniel J. Kelly, aged 86, passed away at home under the excellent care of family and Honeybee Hospice on July 8, 2024, in Butte, MT, the same city where he was born on March 16, 1938. A lifelong resident of Butte, Dan was deeply rooted in the community he loved. He was born to Mickey and Millie Holland-Kelly and grew up on Anaconda Road with his sister, Mary Carol Kelly-Hogart. Dan attended St. Mary's and Butte High School, setting the stage for a life dedicated to service and hard work.

In 1956, at the age of 18, Dan joined the Marine Reserves, serving with distinction until his honorable discharge in 1961 where he had a rank of Lance Corporal and firefighter. His time in the reserves instilled in him a sense of discipline and duty that he carried throughout his life. After his military service, Dan embarked on a career that saw him working at Mountain Con Mine and Berkeley Pit, before transitioning to roles with School District #1 and Butte - Silver Bow road maintenance.

On June 17, 1967, Dan married the love of his life, Donna Darragh Kelly. Their union was blessed with two children, Cheryl and Jim, whom they raised with love and dedication. Dan was a devoted husband until Donna's passing on November 17, 2020.

Dan was an avid sports fan, passionately sporting the St. Louis Cardinals, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the San Francisco 49ers. His enthusiasm for his teams was infectious, making game days an event to remember in the Kelly household.

He leaves behind a loving family, including his daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Brian Fitzpatrick; son, Jim Kelly; grandchildren, Bryan (Veronica), Darragh (Cody Clark), and Kody (Mallory) Fitzpatrick; and great-grandchildren, Lakelynn, Leyton, Zai Jenkin, Ilya Clark, Oaklynn Fitzpatrick, Teegan, and Justice. Dan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna; great-granddaughter, Maylee Fitzpatrick; parents, Mickey and Millie Kelly; in-laws, Frank "Hanks" and Mae Darragh; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Carol and Bill Hogart; and niece, Pam Hogart.

Friends may call on Monday after 4:00 PM in the Duggan Dolan Mortuary Chapel.  Parish Vigil will be recited at 6:00 PM.  Visitation will begin on Tuesday at 10:00 am at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, located at 107 2nd St., East in Whitehall, Montana.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am.  The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.