Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale is best known as the wife of Frank Abagnale Jr., the famous former con artist whose life story inspired the hit movie “Catch Me If You Can”. While her husband’s past is full of exciting stories about fraud and crime, Kelly’s story is very different. She has lived a quiet life focused on family, support, and privacy. Her love and belief in Frank helped him change from a criminal into a respected security expert. This article tells the story of Kelly Anne’s life, her marriage, and how she became an important part of Frank’s journey to redemption.
Quick Bio Table
| Full Name | Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 26, 1954 |
| Age | 70 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Galveston, Texas, United States |
| Parents | Louis Andrew Welbes and Maxine Cecilia Rust |
| Siblings | Tim Welbes and Robert Welbes |
| Education | Master’s degree in Child Psychology |
| Occupation | Former cashier, child psychologist |
| Spouse | Frank Abagnale Jr. (married November 6, 1976) |
| Children | Three sons: Scott, Chris, and Sean |
| Current Residence | Charleston, South Carolina |
| Known For | Wife of former con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. |
| Nationality | American |
Early Life and Background
Kelly Anne Welbes was born on June 26, 1954, in Galveston, Texas. She grew up in a normal American family with her parents, Louis Andrew Welbes and Maxine Cecilia Rust, and her two brothers, Tim and Robert. Her father served in the U.S. Army Engineers during World War II, and her mother later became a professor at Rice University.
Kelly’s childhood was peaceful and simple. Her family valued honesty, hard work, and kindness. These values shaped who she would become as an adult. She attended Waltrip High School, where she played on the tennis team. After high school, Kelly continued her education and earned a master’s degree in child psychology. This shows her caring nature and interest in helping children.
Before meeting Frank, Kelly worked regular jobs like many young Americans. She worked as a cashier at a grocery store and also spent time working at an orphanage in Houston. Her life was ordinary and quiet, very different from the chaos that would come with being married to someone with Frank’s past.
Meeting Frank Abagnale Jr.
Kelly met Frank in the early 1970s when both of their lives were at interesting points. Frank had already served time in prison for his crimes of check fraud and pretending to be different professionals like airline pilots and doctors. By the time he met Kelly, he was trying to rebuild his life and was working with the FBI to help catch other criminals.
Their meeting happened at the grocery store where Kelly worked as a cashier. Frank was 28 years old, and Kelly was 22. According to some sources, they also crossed paths at an orphanage where Kelly was working on her psychology degree and Frank was doing social work. Either way, their connection was immediate and real.
What’s special about their meeting is that Kelly saw something good in Frank, even though he had a criminal past. She didn’t judge him for his mistakes. Instead, she saw a man who wanted to change and become better. This ability to see beyond someone’s past shows Kelly’s kind heart and strong character.
Marriage and Family Life
Frank and Kelly got married on November 6, 1976, in a simple ceremony with close family and friends. Their marriage has now lasted for almost 50 years, which is quite amazing considering the challenges they faced.
Together, they have three sons: Scott, Chris, and Sean. Kelly focused on raising her children in a stable and loving home. She protected them from media attention and made sure they grew up with strong values. One of their sons, Scott, became an FBI agent working on the espionage team in Baltimore. This shows how Kelly and Frank raised their children to value honesty and service.
After getting married, the family lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for about 25 years. When their sons grew up and left home for college and careers, Kelly and Frank moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where they currently live on Daniel Island.
Kelly’s Role in Frank’s Transformation
Frank has said many times that Kelly was the biggest reason he changed his life. In a 2015 interview, he said: “It was my wife who had the biggest influence on my life. That’s when I knew that I would never go back and do anything that would harm her, or embarrass her, or keep me away from her.”
Kelly gave Frank something he never had before: a stable home and someone who truly believed in him. While Frank worked on building his career as a security consultant and fraud prevention expert, Kelly stayed behind the scenes. She managed their home, raised their children, and provided emotional support.
Her steady presence gave Frank the strength to stay honest and keep working hard. Without Kelly’s support, Frank might have gone back to his old ways. She proved that love and trust can help people change, even when they have a difficult past.
The Abagnale Family Today
Today, Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale is 70 years old and still lives in Charleston with Frank. Their three sons are grown and successful in their own careers. The family stays close, though they keep most details of their personal life private.
Frank continues to work as a security consultant and speaker. He has worked with the FBI for over 40 years, teaching others how to prevent fraud. Kelly continues to support him while enjoying a peaceful life away from public attention.
Kelly’s story reminds us that not everyone wants to be famous. Some people find happiness in supporting their loved ones and building a strong family. Her quiet strength and loyal support have been just as important as Frank’s public work.
Conclusion
Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale may not be a household name, but her story is powerful. She showed that love can help people change, that second chances are real, and that you don’t need fame to make a difference. For almost 50 years, she has been Frank’s partner, supporter, and the heart of their family. Her life proves that true strength often comes from those who work quietly behind the scenes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale?
Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale is the wife of Frank Abagnale Jr., the former con artist whose life inspired the movie “Catch Me If You Can.” She has been married to Frank since 1976 and played a key role in helping him change his life.
2. When and where was Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale born?
Kelly was born on June 26, 1954, in Galveston, Texas, United States. She is currently 70 years old.
3. How did Kelly Anne meet Frank Abagnale?
Kelly met Frank in the early 1970s when she was working as a cashier at a grocery store. Frank was working with the FBI at that time, trying to rebuild his life after prison.
4. Does Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale have children?
Yes, Kelly and Frank have three sons together: Scott, Chris, and Sean. Their son Scott works as an FBI agent.
5. Is Kelly Anne Welbes Abagnale in the movie “Catch Me If You Can”?
No, Kelly does not appear in the movie because it focuses on Frank’s criminal years before they met. Kelly came into Frank’s life after he had already served his prison sentence and was working to change.
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