David Francis Kelly passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, in a care facility in Natchitoches, Louisiana, from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was 76. Born in Detroit, Michigan, to Raymond James Kelly and Mary Catherine Kelly (née Lueddeke), David was the third of six siblings: Ray Jr. (Josie) of Temecula, CA; Paul (Sara) of Wauconda, IL; Lauren (Bud Skuba) of Mundelein, IL; Sean (Rosemarie) of Lancaster, PA; and Anne (Dan Malmed) of Wilmette, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ray and Paul, brother-in-law Bud Skuba, and sister-in-law Sara.
David attended St. Francis Elementary School and Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois, and New Trier High School in Winnetka. He later studied English at the University of Illinois Circle Campus.
He attended the Cook County Police Academy and served as a police officer with the Kenilworth Police Department from 1974 to 1984. He later worked as a private investigator.
Music was a lifelong passion for David. A talented guitarist, folksinger, and songwriter, he was an active member of the Chicago folk music scene. His career in law enforcement and his love of music coalesced with the 1989 release of his album Police Officer Blues, a collection of original songs (including one John Prine cover) reflecting his experiences and observations as a police officer. His brother Sean (banjo) and former wife Gail (vocals) performed on the album. David also organized and performed at fundraising concerts for the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and often performed at Durty Nellie’s in Palatine and The Irish Mill in Mundelein. David was smart, quick-witted, and adventurous. The latter half of his life was shaped by mental health challenges, including bipolar and schizoaffective disorders. This often led him to choose a more solitary path, and his presence, and at times his absence, was deeply felt by his family.
After some years living in the south, he returned to the North Shore for several years to help care for his aging parents in their Northbrook home. During this time, he was an active member and group administrator for Alcoholics Anonymous and enjoyed time with family. After their passing, he returned to a more isolated life in warmer climates, periodically coming home for family events.
There, he faced a number of serious health challenges, including a heart attack, lung cancer, and, in his last several years, Parkinson’s Disease. He was a resilient survivor and we often teased that he had nine lives. He will be missed.
David is survived by his former wife, Gail Burdick of Grayslake; his daughter Amanda Kelly; Amanda’s children, Makayla and Grace; great-grandchildren Avery and Enzo; and his son Tim Kelly. He is also survived by his second wife, Laura, and daughters Sara and Betsy and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to donate to a fund organized by his family to assist with funeral and aftercare expenses. http://spot.fund/j52cg6jsc (Spotfund.com: Memorial Fund David Kelly).