Dentist wins St. Charles’ highest honor

William Kelly is a St. Charles dentist, but no one ever said getting him to volunteer is like pulling teeth.

Kelly’s long history of community involvement in St. Charles and the long tenure of his dental practice in the city earned him the 2011 Charlemagne Award Friday night. The recognition is equivalent to a citizen of the year honor.

Kelly was born in St. Louis, raised in southern Illinois and came to St. Charles to establish a dental practice in 1976. Kelly arrived in town after graduating from the University of Illinois and earning a dental degree and an orthodontic certificate from Loyola University. While in school, he met his wife, Joelle.

Kelly’s first dental practice operated out of 116½ W. Main St., but success eventually spawned the construction of a dental office of his own at 11 S. Sixth St. He now operates his practice with the help of his son, Dan.

During his 36 years in St. Charles, he’s devoted many hours to the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, Special Olympics, Day One Network, St. Charles Kiwanis Club, United Way, St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, St. Charles Community Chest and St. Patrick Church.

His commitment to making St. Charles and the surrounding area a better place to live is exemplified by his commitment to providing opportunities for special needs children and adults, including his own son David, according to the award description. Kelly twice has been the recipient of the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association “Family of the Year” Award.

“Our recipient has literally touched the lives of thousands in St. Charles,” read the explanation of why Kelly was chosen for the Charlemagne Award. “He continues to make a positive difference in the lives of his patients on a daily basis. He also continues to volunteer and serve the community he feels he owes so much to.”

Kelly is the 45th recipient of the city’s most prestigious award.