Mayor Frank C Kelly graduated from the former Collingdale High School in 1953. It was there he met his wife of 56 years, Janet.After high school, he began working at the Philadelphia Electric Co. Shortly after, he put his career on hold while he served in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Gordon, just outside of Augusta, Ga., for two years.
Next, Kelly returned to his job at the Philadelphia Electric Co. and became involved in sports in the borough.His first brush with people in political circles was when he helped organize a local March of Dimes event. In addition, Kelly said his late grandmother, Eurie Howell, was actively involved in politics and formed the Women’s Republican Party in Collingdale. She was also a committeewoman.
After helping at the March of Dimes event, Kelly ran as a Republican committeeman in 1964. He then got appointed to fill a vacancy on borough council in 1967. He was elected mayor in 1970 and has held that position since.
Kelly retired from the Philadelphia Electric Co. in 1996 after 41 years. And he retired from the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority this year after 15 years.In addition, he is a member of Collingdale Fire Co. No. 1. A proud member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kelly is also actively involved in a local branch of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
