Brian Ward Kelley

Brian Ward Kelley, beloved husband, father, stepfather, "Papa", brother, uncle, and friend passed away on April 16, 2026 at the age of 74 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents Laura and Vince Kelley. He is survived by his wife Kay Ryan, his children: Brian Kelley Jr., Jennifer Legge (Rob), and Tracy Baranowski (Chris), and his stepchildren: Jamie (Stacey) Ryan, Kara (Jon) Fast, and Kevin (Mindy) Ryan. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and step grandchildren: Brittany Mullins (Jessica), Emma and Ethan Baranowski, Emily and Erin Fast, and Addie and W. Seamus Ryan, along with his siblings Carol Mallory, Karen Battreal, Larry Kelley (Cathy), Cindy Gibney, and Laurie Nottingham (Chuck) along with nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Everyone who knew Brian was blessed by his happy nature and his gift for conversation and music. Brian was a kind and generous soul who loved his family and friends dearly. He shared his delightful sense of humor every single day and he rejoiced in the beauty all around him - especially at the lake or the ocean.

Brian enjoyed a long and successful career in I.T. Management and had great passion for all kinds of music, Atlanta Braves baseball, sometimes Husker football, good wine, coffee, and chocolate. Brian was an avid reader, a devoted student of history, and an accomplished musician and vocalist. He played guitar and sang in well-known bands through high school and college. He rejoined his bandmates when he returned to Omaha in 2009.

Brian was a genuine and loving man and he will be missed beyond measure!

Please direct Memorials to Westside Community Schools Foundation: Music Education Program https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/westside-foundation/donation or 1101 South 90th St., Omaha, NE 68124

A Celebration of Brian's Life will be announced at a later date.