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Edward John Hanson-Kelly, 93, passed away September 27, 2025 at his home in Salisbury, NC.
The son of Francis H. Kelly and Eva Ida Hornig Kelly, he was born May 3, 1932 in Philadelphia. He grew up in South Philly where he loved to play sports, especially football and baseball. As a proud father, he enjoyed spending time with his children, teaching and playing with Bonnie, John and Tom, forging life-long lessons and attributes.
He became an accomplished electrician, working for Philadelphia Electric and the University of Pennsylvania. A member of the International Union of Operating Engineers and other labor organizations, he was a strong advocate for workers’ rights. He was active in the Philadelphia Unemployment Project and a speaker at the Philadelphia Labor Day Parade.
In retirement, he started a non-profit, New Jersey Employment Project, and lobbied to get a bill introduced in Congress to eliminate taxes on unemployment benefits. After moving to Charlotte in 1995, he started the Charlotte Employment Project and also initiated the Charlotte Labor Day Parade. In 2000 he relocated to Salisbury where he was involved, along with his wife, Eileen, in Meals on Wheels and the Salisbury-Rowan AARP Chapter. They enjoyed traveling the country, family gatherings and holiday lights all year long.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Eileen Hanson-Kelly; his daughter Barbara (Bonnie) Kelly (Michael DiFazio), of Mobile, AL; sons John Kelly of China Grove, NC, and Thomas Kelly (Jacqueline) of Bowie, MD; and grandsons Ryan DiFazio, Jonathan (Cody) DiFazio (Katy Jo), and Ethan Kelly. Also survived by Barbara Welsh Kelly, with whom he shared three children.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Margaret, Frances, Mary, and Dorothy, and brothers James, John, William, and Joseph.
A Celebration of Life Service will take place at a later date.
The family wishes to express thanks to Carolina Caring Hospice and Home Instead for providing excellent caregivers in his final months.
Memorial donations may be sent to Meals on Wheels Rowan, P.O. Box 1914, Salisbury, NC 28145, or the
Alzheimer’s Association.
Carolina Cremation is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Kathy Stone says
Blessings to you all. A life we’ll lived.
Da'Tarvia Parrish says
On behalf of AAUW Salisbury, North Carolina, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Eileen and the entire family on the passing of Mr. Ed (Edward John Hanson-Kelly).
Mr. Ed was a quiet force of kindness, service, and steadfast support. Through the years, he stood faithfully beside his wife, Eileen, assisting her with AAUW activities and projects and always offering his time, encouragement, and helping hands to promote women and girls and advance gender equity. His presence reflected the very spirit of partnership and community that AAUW values so deeply.
Mr. Ed lived a life defined by purpose and advocacy from his early years in Philadelphia, to his dedicated work as an electrician, to his lifelong commitment to workers’ rights and community service. Even in retirement, he continued to serve others through nonprofit work, civic engagement, and volunteerism, including his involvement in Meals on Wheels and the Salisbury-Rowan AARP Chapter. His passion for justice, family, and service left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
We honor Mr. Ed not only for his remarkable accomplishments, but for the way he lived—with integrity, compassion, and love for family and community. His legacy will continue through the lives he touched, the causes he championed, and the countless acts of service he quietly performed.
Please know that Eileen and the Hanson-Kelly family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. May you find comfort in cherished memories, strength in community, and peace in knowing that Mr. Ed’s life was truly well lived.
With deepest sympathy,
AAUW Salisbury, NC