Warren Robert Kelly's Obituary
Warren Robert Kelly, 88, of Homestead, Florida, passed away on April 25, 2023.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Julia Kelly, their three children, Terence, James (predeceased) and Patricia.
Warren was born on February 25, 1935 to James Howard Kelly and Gladys Virginia L’Hommedieu in Merrick, New York. Warren graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in June 1953.
Warren and Julia met through friends and after 3 months of dating, Warren proposed to Julia while stopped at a red light. While Warren had the engagement ring on the key chain the entire evening, Julia never noticed it.
On March 29, 1958, Warren and Julia were married in Miami, Florida and went on to have 3 children, Terence Kelly in 1959, James Kelly in in 1960 and Patricia Kelly in 1961.
Warren’s hometown was Merrick, New York. He has lived in and around Miami, Florida and Homestead, Florida.
Three days after graduating from high school in 1953, Warren enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where he was a Machinist Mate 3rd Class. Warren was assigned to the USCG Winnebago Cutter in Hawaii and Far East and then assigned to the USCG Androscoggin Cutter in South America and Caribbean. Warren served a term of 4 years with an honorable discharge and continued in the reserves until July 1961.
Warren was a Korean War veteran and received the Korean Service Medal and Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Medal.
Three days after his honorable discharge in 1957 from the United States Coast Guard, Warren began working at Florida Power and Light. Warren held various positions including, Foreman, Watch Engineer, Training Supervisor, CPR Instructor and Control Room Operator. In 1982, Warren retired from Florida Power and Light after 25 years.
After retiring from Florida Power and Light, Warren turned his love for orchids into a business and in 1982 started his own company named “Orchid World International, Inc.” Warren grew the business into a world renowned and respected operation which supplied orchids to local retail outlets and customers worldwide.
Warren traveled extensively in the United States and Worldwide judging, exhibiting, selling, collecting and giving lectures on orchids. Warren was a highly respected Senior Judge with the American Orchid Society for over 35 years.
In addition to his love for orchids, Warren enjoyed fishing and being outdoors which included freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing and light tackle fishing, camping and just being outdoors. He had many different types and sizes of boats over his lifetime.
Warren was a much-loved and respected husband, father and friend who will be truly missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to:
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road
Miami, Florida 33156
(305) 667-1651
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