Capt. Delbert J. Kelly, Jr. Peacefully went home with the Lord on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 76 years of age and a resident of Tacoma, WA. Capt. Kelly was born on September 17, 1940 to Capt. Delbert Sr. and Hazel Kelly at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, WA. He graduated from West Seattle High School in 1958, and soon after began his career as a professional mariner. Del was a fixture on the Puget Sound waterfront for over 40 years. Capt. Kelly became a Puget Sound Pilot in 1979 and retired in 2002. He remained actively involved in the industry by transitioning into the role of an educator at Pacific Maritime Institute in Seattle, WA. He was a mentor to a great many in both his personal and professional life. Capt. Kelly took great pride in his career and lived his life to the fullest. His greatest joy was helping others; placing himself second to his family and loved ones. He was an avid golfer and Seattle team sports fan. Attending the Mariners' spring training was one of the highlights of his year. He also loved Emerald Downs, where his partnership owned several racehorses. His beloved life companion, an Amazon Parrot, Meka, was the light of his home. Capt. Kelly's relationship with the Lord was very important to him, and he was an active member of Highline Christian Church for several years. He will be remembered for his love for his family and friends, his charm, his intelligence, and his pocket full of witty phrases. He brought a smile to so many faces so often and many will dearly miss him. Capt. Kelly is survived by his children, Capt. Patrick Kelly (Brynne), Lani Witherby (David), and step-daughter Kristi Sacco (Scott), grandsons Tim, Ryan, Shaun Jr., Dylan, JT, and Blake, and granddaughters Kenzie, Faith, Kali, and Moriah. He was preceded in death by his parents in 1981 and his son, Shaun Kelly, in 1997. Memorial service will be held at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, 11111 Aurora Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98133, on Saturday, May 20th, 2017, at 1PM.