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{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = John B. Kelly Jr.
| name = John B. Kelly Jr.
| office = President of the [[United States Olympic Committee]]
| office = President of the [[United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee|United States Olympic Committee]]
| term_start = February 1985
| term_start = February 1985
| term_end = March 1985
| term_end = March 1985
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| pb =
| pb =
| medaltemplates =
| medaltemplates =
{{MedalCountry | {{USA}} }}
{{MedalCountry | the {{USA}} }}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Rowing at the Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]] }}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Rowing at the Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]] }}
{{MedalBronze | [[1956 Summer Olympics|1956 Melbourne]] | [[Rowing at the 1956 Summer Olympics – Men's single sculls|Single sculls]] }}
{{MedalBronze | [[1956 Summer Olympics|1956 Melbourne]] | [[Rowing at the 1956 Summer Olympics – Men's single sculls|Single sculls]] }}
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==Early life and family==
==Early life and family==
[[File:John B. Kelly Jr 1945.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Kelly in 1945]]
[[File:John B. Kelly Jr 1945.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Kelly in 1945]]
Kelly was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the second child and only son of [[Margaret Majer|Margaret Katherine Majer]] and John Kelly Sr.. His paternal grandparents were Irish immigrants, with his grandfather from [[County Mayo]], [[Ireland]]. John Sr. was the son of a farmer; he started his own bricklaying business, "Kelly for Brickwork", and became a multimillionaire.<ref name=tara6>{{cite book |last=Taraborrelli |first=J. Randy |title=Once Upon a Time: Behind the Fairy Tale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier |year=2003 |publisher=Warner Books |isbn=0-446-53164-2 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/onceupontime00jran/page/n20 3]–4 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/onceupontime00jran }}</ref> His mother's parents were German and emigrated to the United States. Before her marriage, his mother Margaret was a model and competitive swimmer.<ref name="vanityfair">{{cite web |url=http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/features/2010/05/grace-kelly-201005 |title=Grace Kelly's Forever Look |last=Jacobs |first=Laura |date=May 2010 |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref> She converted from [[Protestantism]] to [[Roman Catholicism]] when she married.<ref name=tara6 />{{rp|6}} Kelly's uncle [[George Kelly (playwright)|George Kelly]] was a [[Pulitzer Prize]]-winning playwright.
Kelly was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the second child and only son of [[Margaret Majer|Margaret Katherine Majer]] and John Kelly Sr. His paternal grandparents were Irish immigrants, with his grandfather from [[County Mayo]], [[Ireland]]. John Sr. was the son of a farmer; he started his own bricklaying business, "Kelly for Brickwork", and became a multimillionaire.<ref name=tara6>{{cite book |last=Taraborrelli |first=J. Randy |title=Once Upon a Time: Behind the Fairy Tale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier |year=2003 |publisher=Warner Books |isbn=0-446-53164-2 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/onceupontime00jran/page/n20 3]–4 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/onceupontime00jran }}</ref> His mother's parents were German and emigrated to the United States. Before her marriage, his mother Margaret was a model and competitive swimmer.<ref name="vanityfair">{{cite web |url=http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/features/2010/05/grace-kelly-201005 |title=Grace Kelly's Forever Look |last=Jacobs |first=Laura |date=May 2010 |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref> She converted from [[Protestantism]] to [[Roman Catholicism]] when she married.<ref name=tara6 />{{rp|6}} Kelly's uncle [[George Kelly (playwright)|George Kelly]] was a [[Pulitzer Prize]]-winning playwright.


Kelly had an older sister Margaret (born September 1925 and nicknamed "Peggy") and two younger sisters, [[Grace Kelly|Grace]] (born November 1929) and Elizabeth Anne (born June 1933 and nicknamed "Lizanne").<ref name=tara6 /> Kelly's younger sister Grace would go on to become an [[Academy Award]] winning film actor and marry [[Rainier III, Prince of Monaco]] in 1956. Kelly's nephew is Monaco's current monarch [[Albert II, Prince of Monaco|Prince Albert II]]. The children were raised in a 17-room house on 3901 Henry Avenue in [[East Falls, Philadelphia]]
Kelly had an older sister Margaret (born September 1925 and nicknamed "Peggy") and two younger sisters, [[Grace Kelly|Grace]] (born November 1929) and Elizabeth Anne (born June 1933 and nicknamed "Lizanne").<ref name=tara6 /> Kelly's younger sister Grace would go on to become an [[Academy Awards|Academy Award]]-winning film actress and marry [[Rainier III, Prince of Monaco]] in 1956. Kelly's nephew is Monaco's current monarch [[Albert II, Prince of Monaco|Prince Albert II]]. The children were raised in a 17-room house on 3901 Henry Avenue in [[East Falls, Philadelphia]].


Kelly served in the [[United States Navy]] during [[World War II]]. He was stationed in [[United States Naval Training Center Bainbridge]]. Kelly graduated from the [[University of Pennsylvania]] in 1950 and rowed for the varsity team.<ref>{{cite web |title=Penn Biographies: John Brenden Kelly Jr. (1927–1985) |url=http://www.archives.upenn.edu/people/1900s/kelly_john_b_jr.html |publisher=[[University of Pennsylvania|archives.upenn.edu]] |access-date=April 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423203021/http://www.archives.upenn.edu/people/1900s/kelly_john_b_jr.html |archive-date=April 23, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Kelly served in the [[United States Navy]] during [[World War II]]. He was stationed at the [[United States Naval Training Center Bainbridge]]. Kelly graduated from the [[University of Pennsylvania]] in 1950 and rowed for the varsity team.<ref>{{cite web |title=Penn Biographies: John Brenden Kelly Jr. (1927–1985) |url=http://www.archives.upenn.edu/people/1900s/kelly_john_b_jr.html |publisher=[[University of Pennsylvania|archives.upenn.edu]] |access-date=April 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423203021/http://www.archives.upenn.edu/people/1900s/kelly_john_b_jr.html |archive-date=April 23, 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Sports and rowing==
==Sports and rowing==
[[File:John B Kelly Jr and Sr 1945.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Kelly with father in 1945]]
[[File:John B Kelly Jr and Sr 1945.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Kelly with father in 1945]]
Kelly represented the United States at the [[1948 Summer Olympics]] at [[London]], [[United Kingdom]], the [[1952 Summer Olympics]] in [[Helsinki]], [[Finland]] and the [[1956 Summer Olympics]] in [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]] in [[rowing (sport)|rowing]] in the [[rowing (sport)|single scull]] (1x). He represented the United States in the [[rowing (sport)|double scull]] (2x) at the [[1960 Summer Olympics]] in Rome. Kelly won a bronze medal at the 1956 Games. He also won gold medals at the 1955 and 1959 [[Pan American Games]]<ref name=sr/> and 1949 European Championships.<ref>[http://www.sport-komplett.de/sport-komplett/sportarten/r/rudern/hst/63.html Rudern - Europameisterschaften (Herren - Einer)]. sport-komplett.de</ref>
A [[Rowing (sport)|rower]] who specialized in the single scull (1x), Kelly represented the [[United States at the Summer Olympics|United States]] at the [[1948 Summer Olympics]] in [[London]], [[England]], [[United Kingdom]]; the [[1952 Summer Olympics]] in [[Helsinki]], [[Finland]]; and the [[1956 Summer Olympics]] in [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]] (winning the bronze medal). In the double scull (2x), he represented the United States at the [[1960 Summer Olympics]] in [[Rome]], [[Italy]]. He also won gold medals at the 1955 and 1959 [[Rowing at the Pan American Games|Pan American Games]]<ref name=sr/> and 1949 European Championships.<ref>[http://www.sport-komplett.de/sport-komplett/sportarten/r/rudern/hst/63.html Rudern - Europameisterschaften (Herren - Einer)]. sport-komplett.de</ref>
[[File:Ens John B Kelly, Jr, USN, 04May1951.jpg|thumb|Ensign, John B. Kelly, Jr., U.S. Navy]]
[[File:Ens John B Kelly, Jr, USN, 04May1951.jpg|thumb|Ensign, John B. Kelly, Jr., U.S. Navy]]


===Kelly at Henley===
===Kelly at Henley===
[[File:John B. Kelly Jr 1945c.jpg|thumb|Kelly in 1945]]
[[File:John B. Kelly Jr 1945c.jpg|thumb|Kelly in 1945]]
Kelly's father [[John B. Kelly Sr.]] won two gold medals at the [[1920 Summer Olympics]], capturing both the [[single scull]] (1x) and the [[double scull]] (2x). The senior Kelly repeated his victory in the double scull at the [[1924 Summer Olympics]]. <!--The events Kelly Sr. won are important if you are familiar with rowing. Please don't change-->In 1920, despite his accomplishments as an rower, the senior Kelly's entry was rejected at the then most prestigious rowing event in the world, the [[Henley Royal Regatta]]. According to the minutes of the regatta's Committee of Management, Kelly was excluded for two reasons: first, because having worked as a bricklayer he was not eligible under the regatta's then rules on [[amateurism]] (which excluded anyone ''"...who is or ever has been … by trade or employment for wages a mechanic, artisan or labourer"'') and second because he was a member of [[Vesper Boat Club]] which was banned in 1906 after members of their 1905 crew raised money through a public subscription to pay for their travel expenses.<ref>''New York Times'', June 25, 1906</ref> Kelly's exclusion was widely reported in newspapers in both the UK and US, with many seeing it as an attempt to prevent an American from winning the prestigious [[Diamond Challenge Sculls]] event <ref>{{cite book |author=Burnell, Richard |title=Henley Royal Regatta: A celebration of 150 years |publisher=William Heinemann |year=1989 |isbn=0-434-98134-6}}</ref><!--comment:do not delete "working with his hands." It is an important term of art at Henley, e.g., Bobby Pearce, the great Australian sculler's entry to Henley was denied because he was a carpenter, but when he later became a liquor salesperson, his entry was allowed.
Kelly's father [[John B. Kelly Sr.]] won two gold medals at the [[1920 Summer Olympics]], capturing both the [[single scull]] (1x) and the [[double scull]] (2x). The senior Kelly repeated his victory in the double scull at the [[1924 Summer Olympics]]. <!--The events Kelly Sr. won are important if you are familiar with rowing. Please don't change-->In 1920, despite his accomplishments as an rower, the senior Kelly's entry was rejected at the then most prestigious rowing event in the world, the [[Henley Royal Regatta]]. According to the minutes of the regatta's Committee of Management, Kelly was excluded for two reasons: first, because having worked as a bricklayer he was not eligible under the regatta's then rules on [[amateurism]] (which excluded anyone ''"...who is or ever has been … by trade or employment for wages a mechanic, artisan or labourer"'') and second because he was a member of [[Vesper Boat Club]] which was banned in 1906 after members of their 1905 crew raised money through a public subscription to pay for their travel expenses.<ref>''New York Times'', June 25, 1906</ref> Kelly's exclusion was widely reported in newspapers in both the UK and US, with many seeing it as an attempt to prevent an American from winning the prestigious [[Diamond Challenge Sculls]] event in England.<ref>{{cite book |author=Burnell, Richard |title=Henley Royal Regatta: A celebration of 150 years |publisher=William Heinemann |year=1989 |isbn=0-434-98134-6}}</ref><!--comment:do not delete "working with his hands." It is an important term of art at Henley, e.g., Bobby Pearce, the great Australian sculler's entry to Henley was denied because he was a carpenter, but when he later became a liquor salesperson, his entry was allowed.
--> although an American, [[Edward Ten Eyck]], had previously won the event in 1897.
--> Only one American, [[Edward Ten Eyck]], had previously won the event, in 1897.


In 1947, Kelly Jr. won the Diamond Challenge Sculls (single scull) at the Henley, the event from which his father had been excluded. In recognition of his accomplishment, Kelly was awarded the 1947 [[James E. Sullivan Award]] as the top amateur athlete in the United States.<ref name="parkcity">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1697&dat=19850304&id=IkoqAAAAIBAJ&pg=6745,934404 |title=Kelly's death leaves friends in sorrow |date=March 4, 1985 |work=Park City Daily News |page=9 |access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref> In 1949 Kelly repeated his feat and again won the Diamond Challenge Sculls at Henley. In 1980, Kelly's sister [[Grace Kelly|Princess Grace of Monaco]] was invited to present the trophies at the Regatta. In 2003, the [[Princess Grace Challenge Cup]] named in her honour was first presented. In 2004, Grace's son (and Kelly's nephew) [[Prince Albert of Monaco]] presented the trophies at the Regatta.
In 1947, Kelly Jr. won the Diamond Challenge Sculls (single scull) at the Henley, the event from which his father had been excluded. In recognition of his accomplishment, Kelly was awarded the 1947 [[James E. Sullivan Award]] as the top amateur athlete in the United States.<ref name="parkcity">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1697&dat=19850304&id=IkoqAAAAIBAJ&pg=6745,934404 |title=Kelly's death leaves friends in sorrow |date=March 4, 1985 |work=Park City Daily News |page=9 |access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref> In 1949 Kelly repeated his feat and again won the Diamond Challenge Sculls at Henley. In 1980, Kelly's sister [[Grace Kelly|Princess Grace of Monaco]] was invited to present the trophies at the Regatta. In 2003, the [[Princess Grace Challenge Cup]] named in her honour was first presented. In 2004, Grace's son (and Kelly's nephew) [[Prince Albert of Monaco]] presented the trophies at the Regatta.
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At the [[1956 Summer Olympics]] in [[Melbourne]], Kelly won his Olympic medal, a bronze. He was beaten by two teenage prodigies, [[Vyacheslav Ivanov (rower)|Vyacheslav Ivanov]] of [[Russia]] and [[Stuart Mackenzie]] of [[Australia]], but Kelly beat [[Teodor Kocerka]], who had beaten Kelly four years earlier.<ref name=sr/><!--Comment: Kelly did not win his bronze medal in a vacuum. Ivanov and MacKenzie are two of the best scullers in history. Their mention give perspective on Kelly's achievement ;) --> Kelly gave the medal to his sister Grace, who married [[Rainier III, Prince of Monaco|Prince Rainier]] earlier that year, as a wedding present. He would later quip that he had hoped it would have been a different color.
At the [[1956 Summer Olympics]] in [[Melbourne]], Kelly won his Olympic medal, a bronze. He was beaten by two teenage prodigies, [[Vyacheslav Ivanov (rower)|Vyacheslav Ivanov]] of [[Russia]] and [[Stuart Mackenzie]] of [[Australia]], but Kelly beat [[Teodor Kocerka]], who had beaten Kelly four years earlier.<ref name=sr/><!--Comment: Kelly did not win his bronze medal in a vacuum. Ivanov and MacKenzie are two of the best scullers in history. Their mention give perspective on Kelly's achievement ;) --> Kelly gave the medal to his sister Grace, who married [[Rainier III, Prince of Monaco|Prince Rainier]] earlier that year, as a wedding present. He would later quip that he had hoped it would have been a different color.


In [[1960 Summer Olympics|1960]], Kelly competed in the double scull at his final Olympics in [[Rome]]. His boat would be eliminated in the repechage.<ref name=sr/>
In [[1960 Summer Olympics|1960]], Kelly competed in the double scull at his final Olympics in [[Rome]]. His boat would be eliminated in the repechage.<ref name=sr/>


===Later career in sports===
===Later career in sports===
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Kelly became a passionate advocate for athletes. He was elected president of the [[Amateur Athletic Union]]<ref name=sr/> in 1970 and stirred controversy by arguing that the amateur code had become outmoded, thereby helping free the Olympics from sham amateurism.
Kelly became a passionate advocate for athletes. He was elected president of the [[Amateur Athletic Union]]<ref name=sr/> in 1970 and stirred controversy by arguing that the amateur code had become outmoded, thereby helping free the Olympics from sham amateurism.


In 1974, Kelly headed a group of Philadelphia business men who became owners of the [[Philadelphia Bell]], a franchise in the now defunct [[World Football League]]. Kelly's name and connections were important in giving the franchise legitimacy and in negotiating agreements with the city of Philadelphia. However, as the first season progressed, Kelly stepped aside as the team president in favor of [[John Bosacco]], who owned a controlling interest in the franchise.
In 1974, Kelly headed a group of Philadelphia business men who became owners of the [[Philadelphia Bell]], a franchise in the now defunct [[World Football League]]. Kelly's name and connections were important in giving the franchise legitimacy and in negotiating agreements with the city of Philadelphia. However, as the first season progressed, Kelly stepped aside as the team president in favor of [[John Bosacco]], who owned a controlling interest in the franchise.


In February 1985, Kelly was elected president of the [[United States Olympic Committee]].<ref>{{cite web |title=John B. Kelly Jr., U.S. Olympic Chief |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/03/03/sports/john-b-kelly-jr-us-olympic-chief.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=20 March 2020 |date=3 March 1985}}</ref><ref name=sr/> The appointment was short-lived – Kelly died three weeks later.<ref>{{cite book |last=Leigh |first=Wendy |title=True Grace: The Life and Times of an American Princess |year=2008 |publisher=Macmillan |isbn=978-0-312-38194-3 |page=220}}</ref> Kelly was posthumously inducted into the [[United States Olympic Hall of Fame]] as a contributor. Kelly and his father are the only parent-child duo in the Olympic Hall of Fame.
In February 1985, Kelly was elected president of the [[United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee|United States Olympic Committee]].<ref>{{cite web |title=John B. Kelly Jr., U.S. Olympic Chief |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/03/03/sports/john-b-kelly-jr-us-olympic-chief.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=20 March 2020 |date=3 March 1985}}</ref><ref name=sr/> The appointment was short-lived – Kelly died three weeks later.<ref>{{cite book |last=Leigh |first=Wendy |title=True Grace: The Life and Times of an American Princess |year=2008 |publisher=Macmillan |isbn=978-0-312-38194-3 |page=220}}</ref> Kelly was posthumously inducted into the [[United States Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame]] as a contributor. Kelly and his father are the only parent-child duo in the Olympic Hall of Fame.


==Business and professional life==
==Business and professional life==
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==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Kelly's first wife was [[Mary Freeman (swimmer)|Mary Gray Freeman]] (now known as Mary Spitzer). She was the daughter of Monroe Edward and Christine Gray, the 1951 national women's champion in swimming and a member of the United States swimming team for the 1952 Olympics at Helsinki (she appeared on the cover of ''Life'' on July 23, 1951). They married in 1954<ref name="FirstMarraige" /> and had six children, including John B. Kelly III, Susan von Medicus, and Elizabeth "Liz" Kelly.<ref name=tara340>Taraborrelli 2003 p.340</ref><ref name="gettsburg">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2202&dat=19850304&id=k6oyAAAAIBAJ&pg=1475,5388799 |title=Philadelphia mourns Jack Kelly; dies while jogging |date=March 4, 1985 |work=Gettysburg Times |page=5 |access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref> Kelly and Freeman divorced in 1980.<ref name="gettsburg" />
Kelly's first wife was [[Mary Freeman (swimmer)|Mary Gray Freeman]] (now known as Mary Spitzer). She was the daughter of Monroe Edward and Christine Gray, the 1951 national women's champion in swimming and a member of the United States swimming team for the 1952 Olympics at Helsinki (she appeared on the cover of ''Life'' on July 23, 1951). They married in 1954<ref name="FirstMarraige" /> and had six children, including John B. Kelly III, Susan von Medicus, and Elizabeth "Liz" Kelly.<ref name=tara340>Taraborrelli 2003 p.340</ref><ref name="gettsburg">{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2202&dat=19850304&id=k6oyAAAAIBAJ&pg=1475,5388799 |title=Philadelphia mourns Jack Kelly; dies while jogging |date=March 4, 1985 |work=Gettysburg Times |page=5 |access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref> Kelly and Freeman divorced in 1980.<ref name="gettsburg" />


In 1975, Kelly's well-publicized fling with a transwoman named [[The Queen (1968 film)|Rachel Harlow]] was a factor in his decision to drop out of the mayoral contest in Philadelphia when the opposition threatened to campaign with the slogan "Do you want Rachel Harlow as First Lady of Philadelphia?<ref>{{cite web | url=https://people.com/archive/cover-story-grace-kelly-of-philadelphia-vol-20-no-10/ | title=Grace Kelly of Philadelphia }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/grace-kelly-brother-affair-transgender/8786d4f1-c320-455a-aa7e-2d379a85d24b | title=The 'scandalous' romance that rocked Grace Kelly's family }}</ref>
In 1975, Kelly's well-publicized fling with a trans woman [[The Queen (1968 film)|Rachel Harlow]] saw some members of the public oppose his candidacy in the maioral election.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://people.com/archive/cover-story-grace-kelly-of-philadelphia-vol-20-no-10/ | title=Grace Kelly of Philadelphia }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/grace-kelly-brother-affair-transgender/8786d4f1-c320-455a-aa7e-2d379a85d24b | title=The 'scandalous' romance that rocked Grace Kelly's family }}</ref>


On May 28, 1982, Kelly married Sandra Lee Worley, a banker. She was the daughter of Laura Kristine Worley and [[Chief warrant officer|Chief Warrant Officer]] Russell Edwin. They remained married until Kelly's death in 1985.<ref name="gettsburg" /><ref name="goldpaper">{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/03/04/sports/john-b-kelly-jr-dead-at-57-olympic-committee-leader.html |title=John B. Kelly Jr. Dead at 57; Olympic Committee Leader |last=Goldpaper |first=Sam |date=March 4, 1985 |work=New York Times |access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref>
On May 28, 1982, Kelly married Sandra Lee Worley, a banker. She was the daughter of Laura Kristine Worley and [[Chief warrant officer|Chief Warrant Officer]] Russell Edwin. They remained married until Kelly's death in 1985.<ref name="gettsburg" /><ref name="goldpaper">{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/03/04/sports/john-b-kelly-jr-dead-at-57-olympic-committee-leader.html |title=John B. Kelly Jr. Dead at 57; Olympic Committee Leader |last=Goldpaper |first=Sam |date=March 4, 1985 |work=New York Times |access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref>


Kelly served as Philadelphia City Councilman-at-Large from 1967 to 1979
Kelly served as Philadelphia City Councilman-at-Large from 1967 to 1979.


==Death==
==Death==
On the morning of March 2, 1985, Kelly suffered a fatal [[Myocardial infarction|heart attack]] while jogging to The Athletic Club in Philadelphia after his customary morning row on the Schuylkill River.<ref name="gettsburg" /> His body was discovered on 18th and Callowhill Street shortly after 9:30 am. Kelly was taken to [[Hahnemann University Hospital]] where he was pronounced dead.<ref name="parkcity" />
On the morning of March 2, 1985, Kelly suffered a fatal [[Myocardial infarction|heart attack]] while jogging to The Athletic Club in Philadelphia after his customary morning row on the Schuylkill River.<ref name="gettsburg" /> His body was discovered on 18th and Callowhill Street shortly after 9:30 am. Kelly was taken to [[Hahnemann University Hospital]] where he was pronounced dead.<ref name="parkcity" />


Jack Kelly Jr.'s private funeral was held in Philadelphia. Among the attendees were his brother-in-law [[Rainier III, Prince of Monaco]], his nieces [[Caroline, Princess of Hanover|Princess Caroline]] and [[Princess Stéphanie of Monaco|Princess Stéphanie]], his nephew [[Albert II, Prince of Monaco|the-then Prince Albert]], then Philadelphia mayor [[Wilson Goode]] and former Philadelphia mayors [[William J. Green, III]] and [[Frank Rizzo]]. John Kelly Jr. is buried in [[Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania)|Holy Sepulchre Cemetery]] in [[Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/03/09/sports/private-services-conducted-for-kelly-us-olympic-chief.html |title=Private Services Conducted For Kelly, U.S. Olympic Chief |date=March 9, 1985 |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref>
Jack Kelly Jr.'s private funeral was held in Philadelphia. Among the attendees were his brother-in-law [[Rainier III, Prince of Monaco]], his nieces [[Caroline, Princess of Hanover|Princess Caroline]] and [[Princess Stéphanie of Monaco|Princess Stéphanie]], his nephew [[Albert II, Prince of Monaco|the-then Prince Albert]], then Philadelphia mayor [[Wilson Goode]] and former Philadelphia mayors [[William J. Green, III]] and [[Frank Rizzo]]. John Kelly Jr. is buried at the [[Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania)|Holy Sepulchre Cemetery]] in [[Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/03/09/sports/private-services-conducted-for-kelly-us-olympic-chief.html |title=Private Services Conducted For Kelly, U.S. Olympic Chief |date=March 9, 1985 |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref>


==Achievements and awards==
==Achievements and awards==
* Diamond Scull, Henley Royal Regatta, 1947 and 1949
* Diamond Scull, Henley Royal Regatta, 1947 and 1949
* [[James E. Sullivan Award]] Winner 1947
* [[James E. Sullivan Award]] Winner in 1947
* Member US Olympic team 1948, 1952, 1956 and 1960
* Member of the US Olympic team in 1948, 1952, 1956, and 1960
* Olympic Bronze Medallist in Single Scull, 1956
* Olympic Bronze Medalist in Single Scull, 1956
* 8-time United States National Champion, single scull
* 8-time United States National Champion, single scull
* Member US rowing Hall of Fame, elected 1956
* Member of the US rowing Hall of Fame, elected 1956
* Manager for the 1964 Olympic Gold Medal eight man boat
* Manager for the 1964 Olympic Gold Medal eight man boat
* President of the United States Olympic Committee.
* President of the United States Olympic Committee
* [[United States Olympic Hall of Fame]], as a contributor
* [[United States Olympic Hall of Fame]], as a contributor
* [[Olympic Order]] in Silver<ref name=sr/>
* [[Olympic Order]] in Silver<ref name=sr/>

Revision as of 23:39, 31 March 2023

For other people named John Kelly, see John Kelly (disambiguation).

John B. Kelly Jr.
Black and white portrait photograph of Kelly in 1951. He is looking directly into the camera.
Kelly in 1951
President of the United States Olympic Committee
In office
February 1985 – March 1985
Preceded byWilliam E. Simon
Succeeded byRobert Helmick
Philadelphia City Councilman At-Large
In office
1967–1979
Personal details
Born
John Brenden Kelly Jr.

(1927-05-24)May 24, 1927
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedMarch 2, 1985(1985-03-02) (aged 57)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Resting placeHoly Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)
​
​
(m. 1954; div. 1980)​
[1]
Sandra Worley
​
(m. 1981⁠–⁠1985)​
Parent(s)Margaret Majer
John B. Kelly Sr.
RelativesGrace Kelly (sister)
Alma materUniversity of Pennsylvania
Nickname(s)Kell Kelly
Jack Kelly
Sports career
Height185 cm (6 ft 1 in)[2]
Weight83 kg (183 lb)
SportRowing
ClubVesper Boat Club[2]
Medal record
Representing the  United States
Olympic Games
Bronze medal – third place 1956 Melbourne Single sculls
Pan American Games
Gold medal – first place 1955 Mexico city Single sculls
Gold medal – first place 1959 Chicago Double sculls
European Rowing Championships
Gold medal – first place 1949 Amsterdam Single sculls
Silver medal – second place 1958 Poznań Eights

John Brenden "Jack" Kelly Jr. (May 24, 1927 – March 2, 1985), also known as Kell Kelly, was an American athlete, an accomplished rower, a four-time Olympian, and an Olympic medal winner. He was the son of triple Olympic gold medal winner Jack Kelly Sr., and the elder brother of the actress and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. In 1947, Kelly was awarded the James E. Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the United States. He served a brief tenure as president of the United States Olympic Committee.

Kelly was also a politician, and served as an at-large member of the Philadelphia City Council.

Early life and family

Kelly in 1945

Kelly was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the second child and only son of Margaret Katherine Majer and John Kelly Sr. His paternal grandparents were Irish immigrants, with his grandfather from County Mayo, Ireland. John Sr. was the son of a farmer; he started his own bricklaying business, "Kelly for Brickwork", and became a multimillionaire.[3] His mother's parents were German and emigrated to the United States. Before her marriage, his mother Margaret was a model and competitive swimmer.[4] She converted from Protestantism to Roman Catholicism when she married.[3]: 6  Kelly's uncle George Kelly was a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright.

Kelly had an older sister Margaret (born September 1925 and nicknamed "Peggy") and two younger sisters, Grace (born November 1929) and Elizabeth Anne (born June 1933 and nicknamed "Lizanne").[3] Kelly's younger sister Grace would go on to become an Academy Award-winning film actress and marry Rainier III, Prince of Monaco in 1956. Kelly's nephew is Monaco's current monarch Prince Albert II. The children were raised in a 17-room house on 3901 Henry Avenue in East Falls, Philadelphia.

Kelly served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was stationed at the United States Naval Training Center Bainbridge. Kelly graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1950 and rowed for the varsity team.[5]

Sports and rowing

Kelly with father in 1945

A rower who specialized in the single scull (1x), Kelly represented the United States at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, England, United Kingdom; the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland; and the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia (winning the bronze medal). In the double scull (2x), he represented the United States at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy. He also won gold medals at the 1955 and 1959 Pan American Games[2] and 1949 European Championships.[6]

Ensign, John B. Kelly, Jr., U.S. Navy

Kelly at Henley

Kelly in 1945

Kelly's father John B. Kelly Sr. won two gold medals at the 1920 Summer Olympics, capturing both the single scull (1x) and the double scull (2x). The senior Kelly repeated his victory in the double scull at the 1924 Summer Olympics. In 1920, despite his accomplishments as an rower, the senior Kelly's entry was rejected at the then most prestigious rowing event in the world, the Henley Royal Regatta. According to the minutes of the regatta's Committee of Management, Kelly was excluded for two reasons: first, because having worked as a bricklayer he was not eligible under the regatta's then rules on amateurism (which excluded anyone "...who is or ever has been … by trade or employment for wages a mechanic, artisan or labourer") and second because he was a member of Vesper Boat Club which was banned in 1906 after members of their 1905 crew raised money through a public subscription to pay for their travel expenses.[7] Kelly's exclusion was widely reported in newspapers in both the UK and US, with many seeing it as an attempt to prevent an American from winning the prestigious Diamond Challenge Sculls event in England.[8] Only one American, Edward Ten Eyck, had previously won the event, in 1897.

In 1947, Kelly Jr. won the Diamond Challenge Sculls (single scull) at the Henley, the event from which his father had been excluded. In recognition of his accomplishment, Kelly was awarded the 1947 James E. Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the United States.[9] In 1949 Kelly repeated his feat and again won the Diamond Challenge Sculls at Henley. In 1980, Kelly's sister Princess Grace of Monaco was invited to present the trophies at the Regatta. In 2003, the Princess Grace Challenge Cup named in her honour was first presented. In 2004, Grace's son (and Kelly's nephew) Prince Albert of Monaco presented the trophies at the Regatta.

Kelly at the Olympics

Kelly (center) in 1960

At the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, Kelly competed on the same Henley course where he had won the Diamond Challenge Sculls the year before. Kelly won his opening heat, but did not make the finals after finishing second to eventual Silver Medalist Eduardo Risso in the semi-finals. (Due to course width constrictions, the Henley course could only handle a 3 boat final).

At the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Kelly again won his opening heat. In the semi-final, which was one to qualify, Kelly finished second to eventual champion Yuriy Tyukalov, and Kelly was relegated to the repechage, or second-chance race, which was also one to qualify for the final. In the repechage, Kelly's main competitor was Teodor Kocerka of Poland. They fought all the way down the course with Kocerka, who would go on to win the Bronze medal, prevailing in a close finish.[2]

At the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Kelly won his Olympic medal, a bronze. He was beaten by two teenage prodigies, Vyacheslav Ivanov of Russia and Stuart Mackenzie of Australia, but Kelly beat Teodor Kocerka, who had beaten Kelly four years earlier.[2] Kelly gave the medal to his sister Grace, who married Prince Rainier earlier that year, as a wedding present. He would later quip that he had hoped it would have been a different color.

In 1960, Kelly competed in the double scull at his final Olympics in Rome. His boat would be eliminated in the repechage.[2]

Later career in sports

In 1964, following his retirement from rowing, Kelly acted as manager for the United States Olympic 8-man boat. It was composed of rowers from the Vesper Boat Club, to which Kelly also belonged. That boat won a Gold Medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. In 1968, Kelly served as a member of the national committee for the modern pentathlon.

Kelly became a passionate advocate for athletes. He was elected president of the Amateur Athletic Union[2] in 1970 and stirred controversy by arguing that the amateur code had become outmoded, thereby helping free the Olympics from sham amateurism.

In 1974, Kelly headed a group of Philadelphia business men who became owners of the Philadelphia Bell, a franchise in the now defunct World Football League. Kelly's name and connections were important in giving the franchise legitimacy and in negotiating agreements with the city of Philadelphia. However, as the first season progressed, Kelly stepped aside as the team president in favor of John Bosacco, who owned a controlling interest in the franchise.

In February 1985, Kelly was elected president of the United States Olympic Committee.[10][2] The appointment was short-lived – Kelly died three weeks later.[11] Kelly was posthumously inducted into the United States Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame as a contributor. Kelly and his father are the only parent-child duo in the Olympic Hall of Fame.

Business and professional life

Kelly was a respected businessperson as owner of "Kelly for Brickwork", a company started by his father, John B. Kelly Sr. Kelly was actively involved in politics and served for 12 years as City Councilman-At-Large in Philadelphia (D). Kelly also served on the Fairmount Park Commission.

For many years, Kelly played the role of George Washington in the annual Christmas Day re-enactment of the famous 1776 crossing of the Delaware River. The re-enactors would cross over from Pennsylvania to New Jersey on Christmas afternoon.[12]

Personal life

Kelly's first wife was Mary Gray Freeman (now known as Mary Spitzer). She was the daughter of Monroe Edward and Christine Gray, the 1951 national women's champion in swimming and a member of the United States swimming team for the 1952 Olympics at Helsinki (she appeared on the cover of Life on July 23, 1951). They married in 1954[1] and had six children, including John B. Kelly III, Susan von Medicus, and Elizabeth "Liz" Kelly.[13][14] Kelly and Freeman divorced in 1980.[14]

In 1975, Kelly's well-publicized fling with a trans woman Rachel Harlow saw some members of the public oppose his candidacy in the maioral election.[15][16]

On May 28, 1982, Kelly married Sandra Lee Worley, a banker. She was the daughter of Laura Kristine Worley and Chief Warrant Officer Russell Edwin. They remained married until Kelly's death in 1985.[14][17]

Kelly served as Philadelphia City Councilman-at-Large from 1967 to 1979.

Death

On the morning of March 2, 1985, Kelly suffered a fatal heart attack while jogging to The Athletic Club in Philadelphia after his customary morning row on the Schuylkill River.[14] His body was discovered on 18th and Callowhill Street shortly after 9:30 am. Kelly was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.[9]

Jack Kelly Jr.'s private funeral was held in Philadelphia. Among the attendees were his brother-in-law Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, his nieces Princess Caroline and Princess Stéphanie, his nephew the-then Prince Albert, then Philadelphia mayor Wilson Goode and former Philadelphia mayors William J. Green, III and Frank Rizzo. John Kelly Jr. is buried at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania.[18]

Achievements and awards

  • Diamond Scull, Henley Royal Regatta, 1947 and 1949
  • James E. Sullivan Award Winner in 1947
  • Member of the US Olympic team in 1948, 1952, 1956, and 1960
  • Olympic Bronze Medalist in Single Scull, 1956
  • 8-time United States National Champion, single scull
  • Member of the US rowing Hall of Fame, elected 1956
  • Manager for the 1964 Olympic Gold Medal eight man boat
  • President of the United States Olympic Committee
  • United States Olympic Hall of Fame, as a contributor
  • Olympic Order in Silver[2]
  • City Councilman (Democrat-Philadelphia)

Legacy

  • Kelly Drive, Philadelphia, formerly East River Drive, was renamed in his honor after his death. Boathouse Row is located here.

References

  1. ^ a b "Mary Freeman Spitzer". Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Jack Kelly, Jr. sports-reference.com
  3. ^ a b c Taraborrelli, J. Randy (2003). Once Upon a Time: Behind the Fairy Tale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier. Warner Books. pp. 3–4. ISBN 0-446-53164-2.
  4. ^ Jacobs, Laura (May 2010). "Grace Kelly's Forever Look". Vanity Fair. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  5. ^ "Penn Biographies: John Brenden Kelly Jr. (1927–1985)". archives.upenn.edu. Archived from the original on April 23, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2014.
  6. ^ Rudern - Europameisterschaften (Herren - Einer). sport-komplett.de
  7. ^ New York Times, June 25, 1906
  8. ^ Burnell, Richard (1989). Henley Royal Regatta: A celebration of 150 years. William Heinemann. ISBN 0-434-98134-6.
  9. ^ a b "Kelly's death leaves friends in sorrow". Park City Daily News. March 4, 1985. p. 9. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  10. ^ "John B. Kelly Jr., U.S. Olympic Chief". The New York Times. March 3, 1985. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  11. ^ Leigh, Wendy (2008). True Grace: The Life and Times of an American Princess. Macmillan. p. 220. ISBN 978-0-312-38194-3.
  12. ^ "Washington Crossing Historic Park Timeline". washingtoncrossing.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2013. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  13. ^ Taraborrelli 2003 p.340
  14. ^ a b c d "Philadelphia mourns Jack Kelly; dies while jogging". Gettysburg Times. March 4, 1985. p. 5. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  15. ^ "Grace Kelly of Philadelphia".
  16. ^ "The 'scandalous' romance that rocked Grace Kelly's family".
  17. ^ Goldpaper, Sam (March 4, 1985). "John B. Kelly Jr. Dead at 57; Olympic Committee Leader". New York Times. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  18. ^ "Private Services Conducted For Kelly, U.S. Olympic Chief". The New York Times. March 9, 1985. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
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