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.