Page 28 - North Haven Magazine Issue 36 Holiday 2024

Heroes of Yesteryear by Mike Proto

Fred Kelly

A man who truly Lived, offering his life as a sacrifice
for his country, his community, and his family – A
true hero of yesteryear.

In 2006, the gymnasium of the newly built North Haven High School was
dedicated to Mr. Fred Kelly. Since that time, thousands upon thousands
of people have attended games at this facility. Undoubtedly, many people
have wondered why the gym was named after this man. Some have spec-
ulated that he might have been a legendary basketball coach for the high
school. Others may have thought that he was a revered teacher or princi-
pal in the school system. However, as logical as these two hypotheses are,
both are incorrect. And yet, never was there a man more deserving of
this honor. As stated by legendary coach Bob DeMayo, “In the history of
North Haven Athletics, there is no one who did more for the student-ath- Fred Kelly with his signature Hat
letes at North Haven than Fred Kelly.”
Born on April 17th, 1920, Fred Kel- that was handed on to him from
ly grew up during the Great De- Mr. Kelly. Up to the present day,
pression and graduated from Com- this philanthropic organization has
mercial High School in 1939. After raised funds from within the com-
graduation, he attended the New munity to provide deserving North
England Aircraft School in Boston, Haven student-athletes with letter-
graduating in 1942 as an Air Force man jackets, sports banquets and
Flight Engineer. Just one day af- scholarship funds. In addition, the
ter the Japanese attack on Pearl club has also provided equipment
Harbor, he enlisted in the armed for individual sports teams when
forces. He then served his country the need has arisen.
faithfully in the U.S. Army Air Corps
during World War II. He married The impact that the club has had
Ellen Townsend during his time in on the student-athletes in North
the military and shortly after re- Haven has been nothing short of
turning from his service in the Air astounding. As stated by Bette
Force, they decided to settle in the DeMayo, “He brought all of the
small farming community of North sports programs together and sup-
Haven. ported both the boys’ and girls’
programs. Through his work with
Perhaps as a result of his upbring- Fred Kelly’s Grandchildren Posing in front of the Tomahawk club, he created a
ing coupled with his experiences the NHHS Frederick J. Kelly Gymnasium genuine sports community. When
during the depression and World old alike. He also began coaching you break bread together, it unites
War II, Mr. Kelly had developed a in the little league and, through his you. We are losing that sense of
keen sense of selflessness, gen- guidance, helped to shape the lives community today. North Haven
erosity and sacrifice for his family of the youngsters that he coached. was very lucky to have Fred Kelly
and community. And so he soon as a member of the community. He
became involved in numerous ac- In 1954, Mr. Kelly helped to estab- was one in a million.”
tivities to enrich the town of North lish the Tomahawk Club, an organi-
Haven. He was one of the founding zation that is still in existence today Bill Mitchell was Fred Kelly’s neph-
members of the North Haven Little and is now referred to as the Boost- ew and he worked very closely
League and was instrumental in er Club. It is especially noteworthy with him in the Tomahawk club.
the building of Heaton Field, which that he served as the president of In reminiscing about their time
became an historic landmark in this organization for 60 years be- working together, he remembered
the town that not only provided fore stepping down in 2014 and numerous times when parents
a ballpark for the many aspiring handing over the reins to Dave would come to Mr. Kelly to ask for
baseball players but, more impor- Mikos, another upright and selfless his guidance and support in the
tantly, served to unite the mem- man who has continued the legacy raising of their children. He always
bers of the community, young and obliged.

28 North Haven Magazine - Holiday Issue 2024