His father was James W. Kelly, the founder of the American Body Company, and a local Democratic politician.

Kelly served with a training unit in World War I and then entered the University at Buffalo Law School, graduating in 1920.

He spent several years as a trial lawyer before being endorsed by the Democratic Party for a 1933 run for City Court.

In an election held on November 5, 1941, Kelly defeated Fisher in a close race and was sworn in on December 31.

[2] Kelly's term was largely uneventful until January 2, 1945, when the city experienced what was called the worst storm in its history.