Kevin Sean Kiley, a devoted husband, father, and proud veteran of the US Navy, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025 at his residence in Clearwater, FL. He was born in Milwaukee, WI, on September 21, 1948 to Donald Anthony Kiley and Angela Darnieder Kiley. Kevin joined the Navy at the age of 19 after graduating from Holy Redeemer High School in Flint, MI. He served as Quartermaster aboard the destroyer USS NORRIS from December 1967 through December 1970.
Kevin served as an Altar Boy in 1962 at age 13. He continued this devotion when he served as Company Religious Petty Officer in the Navy. After his daughter started kindergarten at Kings Highway Elementary he became a volunteer tutor. When his daughter transferred to St Cecelia Elementary, Kevin continued his volunteer work encouraging students to work hard. In 1998 he received the Worlege-Cousins Award from the Suncoast Epilepsy Association for “Serving as an Inspiration to Others through Outstanding Demonstration of Courage and Spirit.”
Kevin was a service-connected disabled veteran due to a brain injury he sustained in 1970 while serving his country. He was a lifetime member of the organization Disabled American Veterans. He persevered despite many challenges living with a head injury and seizures throughout his lifetime. He and his wife, Kathleen, shared a “Never Give Up” attitude. Together through 51 years of marriage they climbed many mountains hand-in-hand and they always made it to the top with a successful outcome. Unfortunately, the last mountain was too steep but he danced into Heaven!
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathleen Kiley, who he married on March 9, 1974 at Union Street United Methodist Church in Clearwater, FL, his daughter, Erin K. Rendek, and his brothers Tim Kiley and Brian Kiley.
A Memorial Service with Military Honors will take place at Veterans Funeral Care, 830 N. Belcher Rd, Clearwater, 33765, on Friday, May 16th at 11:00am. Family and Friends may arrive at 10:30am for time to mingle and gather.
Love and prayers to you and yours!
Rest easy, Kevin. You fought the good fight. Peace be with Kathleen and Erin and all of Kevin’s loved ones.