Published in the August 25, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Edward F. Kelly Jr., 51, of Melrose, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, August 13.
Born in Melrose on January 26, 1966, Eddie was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1984. He was married and lived in Melrose until moving to Ledyard, CT.
Deeply loved, Eddie made his mark on the world.
He was a longstanding and well-respected member of Carpenters Local Union #24. Working on projects across the country, Eddie’s expertise was in bridge construction. He was currently employed at Walsh Construction working on job sites alongside his son, Derek. In his free time, Eddie was passionate about motorcycles, cars, nature, and being a father to Derek and Tia. He was an avid non-fiction reader, a dog lover, and loved music and history. He was also a member of the Ledyard Sportsman Club.
A great man and born leader, Eddie was larger than life. He was charming, sociable, and with a great sense of humor, loved to get a rise out of everyone. Anyone who knew Ed, loved him. He was truly a great guy whose memory will live on in the many hearts he touched.
Eddie was the beloved husband of Lora (Solano) Kelly with whom he shared 32 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Derek Kelly and Tia Kelly, both of Ledyard, CT. He was the cherished son of Joan Kelly and her late husband John Murphy of Melrose, and the late Edward F. Kelly Sr. He was the caring son-in-law of Frank Solano and his wife Luise of Preston, CT, and Viola Solano of Gales Ferry, CT. He was the dear brother of Pamela Kelly Dobay and her husband John of Lynn, Timothy Kelly and his wife Pamela of Malden, Bonnie Kelly of Melrose, Susan Kelly of Jacksonville, FL, and Michele Bentley and her husband Paul of Chelmsford. He was also loved and adored by his many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Eddie’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Aug. 17 from 3-8 p.m, and again on Friday at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to St. Mary’s Church, Herbert Street, Melrose for his funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m.
Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
For online tribute or directions: RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
