Richard J. Kelly‚ Jr.‚ 50‚ FDNY‚ Ladder 11. The senior member of his company‚ Kelly had just completed his 24th year with the FDNY. He had worked as a bond clerk with the New York Stock Exchange before joining the department. Known for his fun-antics‚ Kelly enjoyed listening to music. He also spent his spare time fishing with his son and other family members.
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
PO Drawer 498
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
This website is funded in whole or in part through a grant from the Bureau of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this Web site (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any service or tools provided).
Foundation does not solicit donations by phone or employ outside companies to do so. You can make a donation by mail, by phone or through our website.
© 2003–2025 National Fallen Firefighters Foundation | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
Dear Kelly Family,
I wanted to let you know I climbed the stairs at Red Rocks in Colorado in Richard J. Kelly, Jr.’s name. The sacrifice he made is that of a hero. I am so sorry for your loss. My son in law, Brandon Elson is a firefighter and I climbed with Brandon in solidarity and prayer. I will keep Richard and your family in my prayers. I am thankful for his courage and selflessness on that horrible day.
Sincerely,
Gina Roesener
– Gina RoesenerJust to let you know I purchased online from Nordstrom Department store a copper bracelet with “FF Richard J Kelly, Jr FDNY Ladder 11 911” right after September 11th and have worn it In R.E.M. Of that frightening day. Just to also let you know I am a retired 911 operator in The state of Florida worked at The Hernando County Sheriff Office Sheriff Tom Mylander was The Sheriff at the time. Iam not sure if family members were aware of these being sold please let me know. If you would like this for any remembrances that you are aware of please let me know I would be honored to turn It over to his loved ones.God Bless
– Sheila GunterDear Kelly Family,
– Sid NewbyI am participating in the Wichita 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb next weekend. I will be climbing to honor Richard and to Never Forget.
So proud to climb the Fire fighter stair climb today in Melbourne Australia in honor of Richard J Kelly Jnr. I am an Australian firefighter who felt very honoured to have him in my thoughts today. 9/11 this year Mark’s my daughters 11th birthday. Thanks Richard for your service RIP
– Ali RODWELLWe are climbing for you this weekend at the 9/11 stair climb in Panama city beach Florida.
– CarolAnn & Steve RinesMy husband is a firefighter in Gulfport Mississippi. We got your card today as we set up for the climb tomorrow. We have your picture and will post more pictures at the climb. Thank you for your service.
Rines Family
All gave some, some gave all. Richard was among those that gave all. His memory made the climb again today, 110 floors at the Tower of the Americas, in honor of his sacrifice. And the depth of his courage has humbled me.
– Mark Barelski JrWas hoping I would hear from either Richard co-workers or from family or friends then I realized I didn’t leave any return contact [email protected]
– Sheila Gail GunterI want to thank the family of Richard J Kelly Jr. Today I participated in the stair walk in Farmington New Mexico. Thank you and never forget.
– Samantha TafoyaSamantha Tafoya
Today I’m carrying your name Tag on my chest with a heavy heart. Rest easy brother.
– Jason ShaugerDear Kelly family,
We purchased a memorial flag in honor of Richard on the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. Thinking of Richard, his family, and his coworkers today. Thank you Richard for your sacrifice 20 years ago. We will not forget!! The Mergener’s -Rockford Michigan
– Tim MergenerDear Kelly Family ,
– BernadetteI live in Ireland , initially I purchased a book that commentated 9/11 and it showed
photos of the New York Firemen R.I.P on that day .
On reviewing the photos I recognized “Richard J Kelly Jr “ R.I.P. immediately . Years ago, (well over 20 +/- years) , at a conference in Kerry Southern Ireland, I am positive it was him that I met there .
The reason I recall his face , he reminded me of my x husband and his last name is the same as my oldest daughters first name Kelly .
On that occasion , there was music and dance after the convention. One dance was a traditional Irish dance called the Siege Of Ennis . It entails swinging with your partner in a circular way and on that occasion I danced with Richard . I know he was very tall or taller than me , but during that swing I lifted him of the ground ! His friend joked ,telling me that I was the first woman to lift a New York fireman of the ground . It was Richard ! He wore a long black / navy coat at the time , quiet distinctive .
So , we shared a conversation and dance but I was so sad when I found his photo ! Actually when I read about all the New York Firemen “Hero’s “ that died in 911 , I thought about him and wondered if he was one of them . He was the only one I had ever met .
I am so sorry for your loss , now twenty years on and I am sure it never gets any easier. He was a “Hero “ and gave his life trying to save others . I feel honored to have met him , just found the “Memorial” Wall today on remembering 9/11 twenty year Anniversary.
He will be remembered here in Ireland , as I have told my two daughters this story and they shall pass it on to my grandson. So holding you all in my thoughts and prayers and sending blessings across the miles .
Sincerely ,
Bernadette Garvin .
Galway , Ireland .
Every year on 9/11 Aspen Colorado’s fire department places roses in firemen’s boots with a picture of a fallen firefighter. Each year I have taken a rose to honor this hero throughout the year. This year my rose had Richard’s picture on it. I want you to know that Richard is not forgotten and forever loved.
– Jane CareyToday I am climbing to honor Richard Kelly and the other hero’s of 9/11 in Springfield MO. I will never forget!!
– Eric NorrisI participated in the 20th anniversary stair climb in McCook Nebraska this past weekend. It was an honor to climb in memory of Richard and carry his name with me for 110 stories. RIP Richard and Thank You. Never forget.
– Kerry CroweDear Kelly Family,
I wanted to tell you that I climbed the stairs in Thomas County in Georgia in his name. . I did it with my school Thomas County Central Middle School. He was a great hero to all. I goner him. Thank you very much for what he did as a person. He was an amazing person. I know he was an amazing family member too.
Sincerely,
– Zoie AnglinZoie
Anglin
I’m doing today’s stair climb in Atlanta, GA in honor of Richard J. Kelly Jr.
– Richard BrumbergDear Kelly Family,
– Elizabeth MontgomeryToday I took Richard with me for the Lambeau Field Memorial Stair Climb. This was such a humbling event and I feel so honored to carry him with me and ring the bell in his honor. Our journey isn’t over, this was a training event for my Grand Canyon Rim to Rim on 10/1/2024. You better believe he’s coming with me on that journey. I will do my best to remember to come back and post an update on that adventure. Wishing you all the best. Forever grateful for his selfless bravery, I’ll never forget that day as a sophomore in high school. ❤️🩹
It was my honor to carry your name 9 stories to the top of our control tower here at MacDill AFB. I was in the fifth grade on that day, and made it home before the two towers fell. I’ll never forget the sight of those who made it out alive. Thank you for your sacrifice, it’s the reason I wear a uniform today. You will not be forgotten!
– Capt Garrison FogtmanDear Kelly Family,
To honor those who died, my unit ran 110 flights of stairs, the same number in the Twin Towers, wearing a dog tag of a fallen firefighter from the 2001 attack. I wore one for Richard J. Kelly Jr. today. It was difficult and I can’t imagine making that climb in gear and under such pressure. I found myself talking to him as it got harder, and apologizing, not understanding what it was truly like. I would hold the tag so it wouldn’t get jostled, almost afraid it would hurt him. I sincerely hope he heard me and that his spirit found some comfort in the heart of a stranger. Many have honored him before, and I hope that he and the 342 others know they still impact lives everyday, and every year. I’m sorry for your loss. He was a hero.
Sincerely,
Natalia Britt
– SSG Natalia Britt