Transformed Kirkwood Printing into state-of-the-art facility
Published in the June 1, 2018 edition
BOXFORD — Edward P. “Eddie” Kelley, 53, president of Kirkwood Printing Co., and a resident of Boxford, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 25, 2018 at his home with his family by his side.
Eddie was born on August 13, 1964 in Melrose, one of three children of Catherine (Canzano) Kelley and the late Charles O. Kelley. He grew up in Melrose and Wakefield, and graduated from the Northeast Regional Metropolitan Vocational School in 1983. After graduation, Eddie went to work for the family business, Acme Printing in Wilmington.
Eddie started out in the pre-press department moving onto sales where he excelled for many years. With the experience gained from working in all aspects of the family printing business, and his lifelong willingness to take a chance, Eddie and his business partners purchased Kirkwood Printing in Wilmington on October 27, 2004, the very day that the Red Sox broke the curse of the Bambino.
With Eddie’s hard work, leadership and vision, he transformed the manufacturing plant into a world class state of the art facility, taking Kirkwood from a small time printing company to a major player in the printing industry. He and his partners grew the sales accounts, and with the redesign of the manufacturing floor were successful in securing accounts from world-renowned brands.
Only one year after purchasing the business they won the 2005 International Printer of the Year Award. Throughout the years, Kirkwood has won numerous awards both nationally and internationally. Eddie’s success in the printing field will be recognized with his induction into the prestigious Printing Impressions International Hall of Fame.
Outside of the business, Eddie loved and adored his family and friends. He is without a doubt, the favorite uncle of all the nieces and nephews. He loved going to the family home in Wolfeboro, N.H. on Lake Winnipesaukee where he could spend time with his sons and never missed a sunset cruise.
Bermuda was another all-time favorite destination for Eddie. He began going when he was a teenager, and continued throughout life, eventually purchasing a vacation home at The Reefs. He looked forward to taking his birthday week off and going down with his family.
Boston sports were a big part of Eddie’s life, especially the Patriots. He attended numerous Super Bowls with his family and friends, including the last Super Bowl in Minnesota. With a love for the finer things in life, Eddie’s Sunday afternoon get togethers were well known. Every gameday Eddie would put out a big spread for his family and friends. It was something he looked forward to every week, and no one wanted to miss.
A loyal and empathetic man, Eddie always put those he cared about first. You could call him any time of the day, and he would drop whatever it was he was doing, and lend a hand. Extremely generous, he never hesitated to help out friends, family, or even strangers if in need.
Eddie was one of a kind. He lived life to the fullest, and shared his love for life deeply and generously with those around him. His legacy will live on not only through his family, but also his friends, and the impact he made on the printing industry.
Eddie was the beloved husband of Gina M. (Racioppi) Kelley with whom he shared 27 years of marriage. Devoted father of Charles E. Kelley, Andrew P. Kelley, and Daniel A. Kelley, all of Boxford. Adored son of Catherine E. (Canzano) Kelley of Middleton, and the late Charles O. Kelley, and son-in-law of Rosemary Racioppi of Methuen, and the late Philip Racioppi. Loving brother of Karen Kelley-Barnes and her husband Robert of Ipswich, and the late Courtney Grafton Wetzel and surviving husband Todd Wetzel of Wayland. Caring brother-in-law of Ray Racioppi, Rose Ann Avola and her husband Kenny, Kim Kleeberger, Philip Racioppi, all of Methuen, and John Racioppi and his wife Michelle of Salem, N.H. Also lovingly survived by numerous 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, May 31 and again on Friday for his funeral service celebrated at First Parish Congregational Church, 1 Church St., Wakefield. Gifts in Eddie’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For directions, or online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
