Kelly was an amazing person. During my CHS days my best friend for a time and one of the most interesting persons I have ever known. We had a lot of adventures together like going into Freddie's Liquor and Bar on Market Street near downtown San Diego and hanging around inside with the all black clientele shooting pool and playing craps. There was a lookout for the cops and we were told to skedaddle out the back if given the "high sign". Another time in East Village in a cool old 2-story Victorian house occupied by 7 or 8 black gays/transvestites. Kelly just gravitated to the most interesting people and he had so much charisma they always welcomed him in! Lucky me I got to tag along. Last one- We listened to Joan Baez all the time. We were such fans. She came to play in San Diego. Kelly goes to the show and gets invited to her hotel room where they talked most of the night! Like I said an amazing character. So sad we lost him so young and in such a manner.
I always really liked Kelly. He had a smile and kind word for everyone and he was just a lot of fun. The hair peroxiding incident Maggie refers to happened in 7th grade, I believe. Kelly sat in the back row and Sister Serena whipped into the room, took one look at Kelly and sent him home. Something as benign as coloring one's hair was shocking in those days, at least to the Benedictine nuns!
And that, my friends, is why I was scared to go to the Catholic school. My mother threatened me with going to Catholic school if I did not perform well in elementary school. Not sure what being "a fireball nun" means, but we have all heard the stories of the rulers and the fingers.
I really didn't know Kelly well personally, but what I remember most about him was what happened at our CJHS and CHS dances in the early 60s. The floor would be full of dancing students, but every time Kelly would start in dancing, everyone else would quickly stand back and form a big circle around Kelly and his partner, watching in awe as they rocked out. He was a phenomenon-- he was really that great.
I feel particularly sad about Kelly Gallagher after reading all the comments/memories about him. What a fun-loving talented guy. I went to Sacred Heart and certainly remember Sr. Serena but did not know Kelly very well - wish I had.
Sister Serena was awesome and I learned so much from her. For a nun she was very down to earth and
firm but caring. Too bad you did not come - as we had a good time in 8th grade. Sr Mary Elizabeth was another story. She was strict but you didn't get out of line and you learned.
For some reason, I thought that Sacred Heart school ended at sixth grade. Thanks for jogging my memory as now I see how all these people popped up after junior high. :)
Thanks for all the questions as they generated lots of comments and that is why this forum was designed.
Charlene Coker (Brooks)
Kelly was not in prison, but he was murdered and no one was ever charged. He was a really good friend
and we shared alot of good times. I still miss him.
Bruce Hb Johnson
Kelly was an amazing person. During my CHS days my best friend for a time and one of the most interesting persons I have ever known. We had a lot of adventures together like going into Freddie's Liquor and Bar on Market Street near downtown San Diego and hanging around inside with the all black clientele shooting pool and playing craps. There was a lookout for the cops and we were told to skedaddle out the back if given the "high sign". Another time in East Village in a cool old 2-story Victorian house occupied by 7 or 8 black gays/transvestites. Kelly just gravitated to the most interesting people and he had so much charisma they always welcomed him in! Lucky me I got to tag along. Last one- We listened to Joan Baez all the time. We were such fans. She came to play in San Diego. Kelly goes to the show and gets invited to her hotel room where they talked most of the night! Like I said an amazing character. So sad we lost him so young and in such a manner.
Robin Bradford (Hamilton)
I always really liked Kelly. He had a smile and kind word for everyone and he was just a lot of fun. The hair peroxiding incident Maggie refers to happened in 7th grade, I believe. Kelly sat in the back row and Sister Serena whipped into the room, took one look at Kelly and sent him home. Something as benign as coloring one's hair was shocking in those days, at least to the Benedictine nuns!
Ann Merrill (Bowman)
I didn't know Kelly that well, but when you mentioned Sister Serena it struck me. She is one person I will never forget. What a fireball for a nun.
Don Larson
And that, my friends, is why I was scared to go to the Catholic school. My mother threatened me with going to Catholic school if I did not perform well in elementary school. Not sure what being "a fireball nun" means, but we have all heard the stories of the rulers and the fingers.
John Randel
I really didn't know Kelly well personally, but what I remember most about him was what happened at our CJHS and CHS dances in the early 60s. The floor would be full of dancing students, but every time Kelly would start in dancing, everyone else would quickly stand back and form a big circle around Kelly and his partner, watching in awe as they rocked out. He was a phenomenon-- he was really that great.
Trudy Childs (Mathews)
I feel particularly sad about Kelly Gallagher after reading all the comments/memories about him. What a fun-loving talented guy. I went to Sacred Heart and certainly remember Sr. Serena but did not know Kelly very well - wish I had.
Ann Merrill (Bowman)
Don
Sister Serena was awesome and I learned so much from her. For a nun she was very down to earth and
firm but caring. Too bad you did not come - as we had a good time in 8th grade. Sr Mary Elizabeth was another story. She was strict but you didn't get out of line and you learned.
Don Larson
Ann:
For some reason, I thought that Sacred Heart school ended at sixth grade. Thanks for jogging my memory as now I see how all these people popped up after junior high. :)
Thanks for all the questions as they generated lots of comments and that is why this forum was designed.
Trudy Childs (Mathews)
Ann is right - Sr. Serena was a great teacher and person. On the other hand was Sr. Ephraim in second grade - were you there then Ann?