US Navy veteran
MELROSE — William J. Kelley, a lifelong resident of Melrose, died peacefully on May 30 at the age of 91. He was the son of the late William M. and Eileen (Meehan) Kelley. Bill was raised in Melrose and graduated from Malden Catholic High School and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Northeastern University. He proudly served in the US Navy and retired as a Lieutenant Commander. He would go on to work for the Federal Aviation Administration as a civil engineer.
Bill was the beloved husband of 61 years to the late Mary Frances (Dolaher) Kelley. Devoted father of David Kelley and his wife Lee Ann of Hampton, NH; Richard Kelley and his fiancé Cheri of Dover, NH; Jane (Kelley) Korontjis of Melrose; William Kelley and his wife Lori of Glen Allen, VA; and Thomas Kelley and his wife Jacqueline of Glen Allen, VA. Very proud grandfather of Colin Kelley and his wife Karla; Robert Kelly; Griffin Kelley and his wife Lanie; Quinn Kelley; Tyler Korontjis; B Kelley; Elizabeth Kelley; Megan Kelley; Spencer Kelley; and Victoria Kelley. Great grandfather of Alexander and Ethan Kelley. Brother of Arlene Crowley and Donald Kelley.
Visiting hours were held on Wednesday, June 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. Funeral procession from the Gately Funeral Home was on Thursday, June 6 at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass at St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose at 10 a.m. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. To leave a message of condolence, please visit gatelyfh.com
