Vincent Kelly
Obituary
Vincent Michael Kelly Jr. was born March 15, 1933 in Tulsa, OK to Vincent Michael and Ivy Maria Phelps Kelly. He passed from this life on Wednesday, April 27th, 2011 at his home in Tulsa. He was a graduate of Cascia Hall in 1950, attended Regis University in Denver, CO for 2 years, he attended UMKC where he earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and biology and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.
He served as a Captain in the Air Force for 2 years practicing dentistry. In 1961, he returned to UMKC where he did his residency in Orthodontics and earned a Master of Science in Oral Histology. Vincent practiced Orthodontics in Tulsa and Claremore for 45 years, retired briefly, then practiced in Miami, Florida for 5 years.
Associate Professor of Clinical Orthodontics at OU and St. Louis University, he taught and lectured extensively to Orthodontists world wide. He developed lingual (invisible) braces and held several patents in the field of Orthodontics. He was a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontists since 1969 and the European Board of Orthodontists.
Vincent loved cooking and teaching. In 1969, he earned his pilot's license. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and sportsman. He was a lifetime member of Southern Hills Country Club. He was a respected restaurateur it Tulsa. In 1990, he helped reorganize the Tulsa chapter of the Chaine Des Rotisseur and served as Baille for over 10 years. His charitable contributions included the American Lung Association, Tulsa Center for the Physically Limited and Tulsa Nature Works.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Catherine Freeman. Vincent is survived by his beloved wife Aleatha, of the home; five daughters, Kevin Marie Okrzesik, Leslie Kelly Nicholls, both of Kingwood, TX Karen Kelly Hewett, of Redmond, OR, Carolyn Kelly, of Colorado Springs, CO, and Kathleen Kelly McCarthy, of Bedford, NY; sister, Barbara B. Taylor, of Fort Smith, AR, two brothers, Thomas R. Kelly, of Tulsa, and Frank C. Kelly, of Muscatine, Iowa; three step children, Dr. Lori Hare- Frazee of Tulsa, Jeffrey Guthrie of Frisco, TX, and David Guthrie of Oklahoma City, OK; and fourteen grandchildren.
A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday at Church of St. Mary with interment in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund has been established at Arvest Bank in the title of: Vincent M. Kelly Jr. Scholarship Fund.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Funeral Home Owner
I was a former patient of Dr. Kelly's from back in the late eighties and early nineties. He was always very kind to me and my family. I had a cleft lip and palette He set up a payment plan for my parents that made it possible for me to have have braces. He was a very important influence in my childhood. I often think about him and his wonderful nurses. I am very sorry and saddened to hear about your loss. He will be missed by all.
steven airehart
My most sincere condolences to Mrs Aleatha Kelly for the loss of Dr Vincent Kelly. Vincent was a great friend of my family and a mentor. He showed me how to take life by the horns and make good things happen. Vincent was truly an example for all of us to follow.
Max Cacchione
Please accept my heartfelt condolences at the loss of Dr. Kelly. Dr. Kelly was my orthodonist from 1966 to 1968. I wouldn't have the smile I do today without his assistance! He was always so encouraging to me as a teenager, and so friendly. I also remember when I got to go for a ride in his new Corvette! I know he touched many lives and will be missed by many. God Bless.
Janine Dunning Rolph
VINCE was a superb clinican & a good friend to me. HE helped me professionally .He was very kind to me & supportive of my professional efforts in ORTHODONTICS.GENE McCORMICK. i WISH HIS FAMILY THE BEST ; AND I AM SORRY FOR THEIR LOSS,
gene mccormick
I am so sorry for your loss. Paul and I read it in the Sunday paper. Even though it has been many years since I worked for Dr. Kelly I have often thought of him and wounder how you were all doing. Please know that you are in our prayers. Paul and Beth Ehlert, Grove, OK
Beth Ehlert
Vince Kelly was an inspiration and mentor in my life. He is the reason I became a dental hygienist. I met him as a patient when I was a teenager, then worked for him as a chairside assistant during High School with Aleatha and Carthel. I will always remember our office float trips down the Illinois river with the hasty bake cooking on the front of the boat, his wonderful Cesar salad and his candy apple red corvette....SWEET! I am so grateful for all he has inspired me to do and be. As he used to say to me..."Out of sight is not out of mind." He will live in my heart forever. My thoughts and prayers are with Aleatha and his family.
Cindy Oliver Henry
I am so very sorry for your loss of Vince. Even though I did not know him personally,I feel as if I did thru the Oliver family. The stories were told & the laughter was abundant. Vince was a wonderful man thru the Oliver eyes. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Mikie Oliver (wife of Pat Oliver)
Mikie Oliver