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Long-Time Boston College Assistant AD Dick Kelly Passes Away

BOSTON (CBS) - After a three-year battle with ALS, long-time Boston College assistant athletic director Dick Kelly has passed away.

Kelly, who was diagnosed with ALS (known as "Lou Gehrig's Disease") in September 2011, passed away Thursday night at the age of 48 at Mass General Hospital. According to the school's website, Kelly's parents were at his hospital bed Thursday night relaying play-by-play of the Eagles' basketball game against Georgia Tech before he passed away peacefully.

Kelly, a native of Andover and 1987 Boston College graduate, began working at his alma mater in September 1991 as the assistant sports director. He was promoted to assistant athletic director for media relations just two months later.

Kelly served as Boston College's primary contact for men's basketball for nearly 22 years, touching the lives of coaches, student-athletes, co-workers and members of the media. He also played a pivotal role for  other programs at BC, such as men's ice hockey, soccer and football.

Last February, Kelly was awarded the US Basketball Writers Association's Most Courageous Award prior to Boston College's game against Virginia. He received the longest standing ovation in the history of Conte Forum.

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