Honoring a Legacy of Service: GENERAL PAUL X. KELLEY, USMC (RET)
Interfaith Community Outreach is proud to recognize General Paul X. Kelley, USMC (Ret.), whose lifelong commitment to our nation exemplifies leadership, honor, and service. In tribute to his legacy – and in gratitude for the ongoing generosity of his daughter, Chris Kelley Cimko – we are honored to host the 2025 Veterans Tribute Pickleball Social in his memory. This special event supports the well-being of local veterans – something General Kelley, a champion for service members throughout his life, would no doubt have embraced with pride.
General Kelley served as the 28th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps and Member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1983 until his retirement in 1987. Subsequently, he served three Presidents as Chairman of the American Battle Monuments Commission, where he was responsible for the legislation, construction and dedication of the National World War II Memorial.
As Commandant, General Kelley was responsible for the preparation and oversight of the Marine Corps’ budget and the training and equipping of over 200,000 Marines serving across the globe. Prior to his nomination to the position of Assistant Commandant in 1981, the President appointed him to serve as the first Commander of the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force, a role in which he spearheaded the effort that culminated in its re-designation as the U.S. Central Command.
In the private sector, General Kelley served on ten New York Stock Exchange boards, and twelve other private corporate boards. He was a member of the Board of Advisors for J.F. Lehman and Company, and a Director of Saul Centers, Inc. and The Non-Proliferation Trust. General Kelley was a member of the Advisory Board of Governors for the Partnership for Public Service; The Council on Foreign Relations, the Advisory Board of the First Jobs Institute; Beta Gamma Sigma; and was President of the prestigious Alfalfa Club.
General Kelley held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Villanova University and was a Distinguished Graduate of the Air War College. He received honorary doctoral degrees from his Alma Mater, Norwich University, Webster University, Jacksonville University, The United States Sports Academy and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
General Kelley was an accomplished athlete: he played football in high school and college, was a Master Parachutist, a long-distance swimmer, and an avid handball player. Had he lived to see the birth of Pickle Ball, he would have undoubtedly been out on the court!
General Kelley was married to the former Barbara Adams of Fall River, MA, and was the beloved father of Chris Kelley Cimko and father-in-law of John Cimko, of Duck, NC
Interfaith Community Outreach sincerely thanks Chris Kelley Cimko for her generous sponsorship of this year’s Veterans Tribute Pickleball Social. Her support honors her father’s extraordinary legacy and ensures that his commitment to service lives on by directly helping veterans in our community. We invite you to join us in this meaningful effort – by participating and giving, you help carry forward a legacy of service and support for those who’ve served us.
