Former Laguna Beach Police Chief Dies At 99

LAGUNA BEACH,CA — Joseph John Kelly, the former Laguna Beach Chief of Police passed away in Laguna Woods on May 1, just one month shy of his 100th birthday.

Kelly is remembered in Laguna Beach for his work as former Police Chief.

"Members of the Laguna Beach Police Department are saddened by (his) passing," Laguna Beach Police Department Lt. Jim Cota said over Facebook. "Chief Kelly lived a life as a public servant. Thank you for your service!"

Joseph Kelly was born on June 1, 1918 in the Bronx, New York, to Joseph Francis and Selma Kelly, according to his Obituary in the Orange County Register. At age 23, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942, starting a 28 year career in service to his country. He retired from active service in 1970 as a Colonel in the USMC. He then served as a Chief of Police in both the cities of Laguna Beach (1971-73) and Tustin (1973-77). Kelly finished his career working as a crime prevention specialist consultant for the Orange County Criminal Justice Council, retiring in June of 1980.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, who passed in 1999, as well as his son, Kevin, who passed in 1971. Kelly is survived by sons Michael Kelly and wife Mary of Scottsdale, Az; John Kelly and wife Graciela of Cecilia, Ky.; Brian Kelly and wife Suzanne of Plano, Tex.; Dennis Kelly and wife Patricia of Manassas, Va; Brendan Kelly and wife Lisa of Charlotte, NC; as well as his daughters Patricia Rueb of Phoenix, Az; Mary Locke and husband Jim of Mission Viejo; and Kathleen Overton and husband Steve of Modesto, Calif. Kelly had 18 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

He was buried at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest on May 7.

Photo, courtesy Laguna Beach Police Department