Gilbert Kelly, Longtime Grand Avenue Fixture, Shot Dead Last Night
It’s with a heavy heart that we report the news that Gilbert Kelly, or just Kelly as most of us on the block between Gates and Putnam knew him, died from a gunshot to the chest last night shortly after 4 a.m.; he was killed on one of the mid-block stoops where he spent most…
It’s with a heavy heart that we report the news that Gilbert Kelly, or just Kelly as most of us on the block between Gates and Putnam knew him, died from a gunshot to the chest last night shortly after 4 a.m.; he was killed on one of the mid-block stoops where he spent most nights for the past three decades. Kelly, who was profiled in this 2011 New York Times piece, was the self-appointed steward of the block. A 65-year-old homeless man who had struggled with drugs and had some brushes with the law, Kelly nonetheless had the implicit trust of everyone on the block. Many of us paid him a small monthly stipend to keep our stoops clean, make sure our recycling was sorted correctly and let us know if any suspicious characters had been lurking around our homes. Countless nights his crooning of Motown classics while he cleaned up the block was the last thing many of us heard before falling asleep. The block is on lock-down now and crawling with cops, but we haven’t heard any details. Was it one of the drug dealers from the corner or a tiff over something stupid that escalated out of control? Hopefully the police will figure it out. If you know anything, please give the 88th Precinct a call. RIP.
Thank you every one we really appreciate what he did for everyone he’s a great man in a great dad we will let everyone now where and when the arrangement will be
Hello I’m a life long member of this community. I’ve known Kelly for 30 years when he worked as a postman. He delivered mail to my building. To the family my deepest condeloses. Aiesha i left my name and phone number with Detective Parker at the 88th precint. Please contact me. I will assisit you in any way that i can. I have information to share with you.
I lived on the corner of Grand and Putnam for a few years and Kelly was a really good neighbor. He was kind, funny, insightful, musical, and generous. I left the neighborhood in 2012, but not before making some unforgettable friendships. Kelly was a good man and I’m heartbroken about the news. To Iesha and the rest of the family, I’m deeply sorry for your loss. My dad died in June and it’s a hard, hard thing. Surround yourselves with love. I’ll check back for information about the service. Wishing you all comfort and peace. — Jules
Being from Maryland, I only knew Gilbert as “Motown” (a nickname my best friend and I had given him due to the Motown classics he would sing on the block). During my weekend trips to Brooklyn I would often see him while walking to the corner store or being out on the weekends. He reminded me so much of my uncle back home in Baltimore i.e., living a hard life, keeping the block clean, looking out for the neighbors and singing all the time to name a few. I will miss Motown during my future visits to Brooklyn. I last saw him Super Bowl weekend at which time we were walking home and he walked us to the front door still singing of course and joking. One of my fondest memories of Motown was one night he helped us in the house when we lost our keys. Believe me you had to be there—one of the funniest moments of all time!!! My best friend just told me two weeks ago that Motown asked “where’s Boston at?” She reminded him with a smile and laugh she’s from Baltimore not Boston!! She said he got a kick out of that!! Gotta love him. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends and most importantly all the neighbors who supported and liked him as well. RIP Gilbert Kelly aka MOTOWN. One.
Thanks everyone for there pray my dad is in a good place right now in I will remember how great he was we will give everyone information about the funeral
I’m so sorry for your lost. Please get my information from Detcetive Parker at the 88th precinct.
To his kids, I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sorry as well for our community. Kelly was a wonderful man and I can’t believe I won’t see him anymore on grand ave. my heart is heavy I won’t be able to talk and laugh with him anymore as I walk through the neighborhood. Please post any info on services.
Hi Iesha, I’m so sorry for your lost. We met once before and sad to link up again like this. If you don’t remember my name is Leezet Kelley, the daughter of your fathers brother James Kelley. Again my condolences. Please let me no if there’s going to be a service. You can contact me on Facebook.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts.