Patrick Joseph Kelly

Patrick Joseph Kelly, 68, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at his

residence in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Born in Waterloo, Iowa, he was the

son of the late John Joseph Kelly and Carine Marilynann Holtkamp.

Patrick is survived by his beloved wife, Ljubica, originally from Croatia; his oldest

brother, Timothy; his sisters, Sue VanEngen of Iowa and Resa Kelly of San Jose,

California; and his children from a prior relationship, Mackenzie Ann and Connor

John.

Born with a warrior’s heart and an explorer’s spirit, Patrick’s path of service and

adventure began early. A proud Eagle Scout, he entered the U.S. Army as a

member of the elite 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. There he quickly

distinguished himself, mastering the demanding skills of a marksman and

earning the title of U.S. Army Sniper—an achievement earned solely through

grit, discipline, and natural talent.

His drive to serve at the highest levels led him to earn the coveted Green Beret,

beginning his Special Forces journey with the 7th Special Forces Group

(Airborne) in Panama. He embraced the life of a Special Forces soldier with

quiet professionalism, cultural fluency, and unwavering commitment to mission

and team.

Patrick was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and purpose in the wild

places of the world. Hunting, fishing, climbing, swimming, and exploring were

not hobbies—they were part of his identity. His personal discipline extended

into martial arts, where he earned a 3rd Dan Black Belt and a 2nd Dan in Kendo,

the art of Japanese swordsmanship.

After years of service, Patrick transitioned to the Special Forces Reserves to

pursue higher education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and built

a respected career as a journalist in Iowa, bringing clarity, discipline, and

integrity to his writing. Yet the call to serve never left him. Missing the action,

the brotherhood, and the mission, he returned to the U.S. Army as a Special

Forces soldier once again—this time pursuing a new challenge: becoming a

Warrant Officer. True to form, he chased that goal with determination and

pride. His career included distinguished service with 3 rd , 7 th , 10 th and 20 th Special

Forces Groups.

While serving as a Special Forces Warrant Officer, Patrick continued his

academic journey, ultimately earning a Master’s Degree in International

Studies. A voracious reader, he consumed at least one substantial book each

month—often works exceeding 500 pages. Those who knew him never doubted

his intelligence, eloquence, and depth of thought. Helping, mentoring, and

guiding others was woven into his daily life. At every event he attended, his

presence was unmistakable—he ensured everyone had a great time, often

joyfully “taking over the show.” He was a master of sarcasm, humor, and

perfectly timed wit.

Patrick was also a devoted lover of animals. After retiring from service, he

dedicated himself to rescuing abandoned pets. Nearly every photo of Patrick

and his beloved wife, Tina, shows them surrounded by the beautiful,

wellcaredfor dogs and cats they cherished.

Patrick’s life was a testament to service, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of

excellence. He believed life was too short to leave anything undone, and he

pushed himself to live each day fully—no regrets, leaving everything on the

battlefield of life. He lived boldly, served faithfully, and loved deeply. His legacy

endures in the many lives he touched, the missions he completed, and the quiet

professionalism he carried into every endeavor.

Ranger Lead The Way ~ De Oppresso Liber

Prepared by Manny Ortiz

1SG, USA (RET)

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