David Brendan Kelley's Obituary
David B. Kelley, 71, passed away on July 3, 2026, surrounded by loved ones after a lifetime defined by grit, determination, humor, and an unmatched ability to make things happen. After decades of heart challenges, he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive lung disease that took him from us only weeks later, far sooner than anyone was prepared for.
Dave was born in 1955 in Massachusetts and grew up in Connecticut. At just 17 years old, he joined the United States Navy, beginning a life marked by hard work, risk-taking, resilience, and an unwavering belief that there was always a way forward.
As a teenager, he met Judy, and together they built a family that would become one of the greatest parts of his life. Their first son, Damian, was born when Judy was 17 and Dave was 18. Their first daughter, Dara, passed away at just three months old, a loss that remains part of the family’s story forever. He was also the proud father of Devon, Jenna, Brendan, and Trevor.
In 2018, through AncestryDNA, he learned that he had another son, Matthew. He welcomed Matthew and Matthew’s daughter, Emma, into the family with open arms, as though they had always been there.
Dave was a businessman through and through. In the 1980s and 1990s, he founded Lotto Express, a lottery courier business that grew into a highly successful operation with franchises and locations across multiple states. He employed family members, including his father and siblings, and built something remarkable from the ground up. When changing laws eventually made the business impossible to continue, Dave did what he always did, he reinvented himself.
He went on to run several other businesses, including car dealerships and thrift stores, before spending the last 27 years building Kelley’s Service Center, previously known as Old Yeller and Rapid Response. No matter the business, Dave had a rare gift: he saw opportunities where others saw obstacles and had a talent for connecting with people that was nothing short of extraordinary. Over the years, customers became friends, and friends became family.
He had an uncanny ability to help people. He believed in people when others didn’t and gave opportunities to those who needed a second chance. He helped friends, family members, employees, customers, and sometimes complete strangers. He was passionate, funny, charismatic, stubborn, generous, and occasionally hot-headed. He never lacked confidence, never struggled to start a conversation, and never seemed uncomfortable in any situation. He could make people laugh when they least expected it and somehow make everyone feel like they belonged.
For the past 17 years, Dave shared his life with his “Angel” Cindy. Together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, family, faith, friendship, adventures, and countless cherished memories. They celebrated life’s joys and faced its challenges side by side. Cindy brought love, happiness, and strength to his world, and he loved her deeply. Together they created a family that extended beyond themselves, and he embraced Cindy’s children and grandchildren with the same love and care he gave to his own. He held a special place in his heart for Kara, Daniel, Lauren, Lindsey, Matthew, Jessica, and Connor, who became an important part of his life. Their love and devotion to one another were evident to everyone who knew them.
More than anything, he will be remembered for the lives he touched. To know Dave was to know someone truly unforgettable. Those who knew him often joked that he had a bit of magic in him. He lived bigger than most people dare to live, and left behind enough stories to fill a lifetime.
He is survived by his beloved partner, Cindy Long; Judy Branning, the mother of his children and lifelong friend; his children, Damian Kelley (Kristin), Devon Kelley (Toni), Matthew Freethy (Lyss), Jenna Kelley (Cameron), Brendan Kelley, and Trevor Kelley (Baylee); Cindy’s children, Kara Powell (Daniel) and Matthew Long (Jessica); his grandchildren, Cameron, Gabriel, Connor, Taylor, Emma, Madison, Riley, Cole, Savannah, Matthew, Kyle, Aiden, Miles, Jayden, Lillian, Aaliyah, Melody, Evie, and Autumn; Cindy’s grandchildren, Lindsey, Lauren, and Connor; his siblings, Michael Kelley (Sharon), Pegeen Forbes (Kelley), and Bernard Kelley; his great-grandchildren, Naomi and Waylon; and countless extended family members, friends, employees, customers, and loved ones whose lives are better because he was part of them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Kelley and Mary Margaret Kelley (Kerr); sister, Marijane; and daughter, Dara Rae.
Some people leave behind memories. Dave leaves behind stories, friendships, lessons, laughter, and a legacy that will continue for generations. He was, in every sense of the phrase, an absolute legend.
Dave’s family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026 in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Jim Clore officiating. Interment will be at 1:00 p.m. in Culpeper National Cemetery, 501 East Chandler Street, Culpeper, VA.
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