Edward Kelly

Edward Joseph Kelly (February 26, 1890 – April 21, 1956) was an American prelate of the Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Boise (all of Idaho) from 1927 until his death in 1956.

Biography Early years Kelly was born on February 26, 1890, in The Dalles, Oregon, the third of five children of James Leo and Henrietta (née Wakefield) Kelly. He received his early education at St. Mary's Academy in The Dalles, and classical studies at Columbia University in Portland. He then served as a missionary in the Diocese of Baker City until 1919, when he became a secretary to Bishop Joseph Francis McGrath of Baker City and chancellor of that diocese.

Death and legacy While preparing to celebrate Saturday morning mass in Boise on April 21, 1956, Kelly succumbed to a heart attack and died at age 66; he was succeeded by Bishop James Byrne. Eight years later in 1964, Bishop Kelly High School (BK) opened in west Boise, named in his honor.