Marvin L. Kelley

Marvin L. Kelley

Greenfield, MA - Marvin L. Kelley, 82, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024 at Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst after seven months of declining health.

Marv grew up in Rocky Hill, CT, the youngest son of Martha (Bearse) Kelley and G. Gordon Kelley. Following the tradition set by his father, uncle and two older brothers, he attended Mount Hermon School (now Northfield Mount Hermon School) in Gill, MA, graduating in 1960. He went on to earn a BA in music at Middlebury College (VT) in 1964. While a student there his extraordinary tenor voice enhanced the Middlebury Choir and the men's a capella group "The Dissipated Eight." On the lacrosse team, he excelled as goalie. His sophomore year Marv met and won the heart of Carol Haas, class of '65; they were married on campus the weekend of her graduation.

The couple moved to NYC where Marv was completing his MA at NYU in student union administration, a relatively new academic field. Degree in hand, he worked at the Queens College Memorial Union until he was called to active duty in the US Army in 1966. Having previously completed the ROTC program at Middlebury, his first assignment was officer training school at Ft. Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, then Ft. Belvoir in Northern VA.

Upon separation from active duty as 1LT in 1968, Marv accepted a position as Director of Student Activities at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA. Their first child, Dana, was born five months after their move to the Midwest.

In 1970, an offer from Mount Hermon School to become Director of Student Activities could not be ignored. In addition to student activities, Marv took on dormitory and coaching responsibilities, was instrumental in the opening of Blake Student Center, and later added the Summer School to his duties. A second daughter, Rhian, was born in 1974. In 1976, in the comfort of this special school community, he made a career change to the Office of External Affairs and fund raising; he learned on the job. Planned giving became his specialty and remained a true vocation that impacted the rest of his life.

Marv sought to expand his planned giving experience to higher education which resulted in 12 years at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, from 1980-1992. He was an active member of South Congregational Church. Intentional about his career choices, he then took a position at the University of Cincinnati Foundation (OH) from 1992-2004 which provided experience at a public university. The final move in 2004 was back to his roots, Northfield Mount Hermon School, as Senior Gift Planning Advisor. He and Carol settled in Greenfield, feeling very much at home in western MA. He retired in 2011, proud to have served such vibrant and varied academic institutions.

Marv vowed he would stay productive in retirement. He volunteered for United Way committees; was board member for both the Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra and Valley Classical Concerts; a hospice volunteer for 13 years and driver for Lifepath's Rides for Health (between 2015 and 2024 he provided more than 330 round trips for 39 clients, covering over 12,000 miles). A long time loyal volunteer for Northfield Mount Hermon, he particularly enjoyed planning and being part of lunch gatherings with classmates scattered throughout the region. Pitch and cribbage at the Greenfield senior center were what he called his "fun days." He was a frequent spectator at local high school games. He and Carol shared delightful trips to museums and historical sites in New England and enjoyed many of the extraordinary classical music concerts available in the valley.

Providing for the well-being of his family was Marv's highest priority and doing so, he lived a good, full life. He was respected by colleagues for his work ethic; his forthrightness was balanced with kindness and often infused with a dry wit. A man of resolve and unquestionable integrity, he demonstrated his strong sense of duty to serve his community. His life journey touched many lives--he will be missed.

Marv was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Martha Kelley (Greenfield, MA) and older brother, George Kelley (Berkeley, CA). He is survived by Carol, his loving wife of 59 years; daughters Dana Hartung and husband Sam (Haymarket, VA) and Rhian Simon and husband Paul (Columbus, OH); granddaughter Kasey Stodola, husband Ben and great grandson Caden (Gainesville, VA); grandson Justin Schneider (Centreville, VA); step-grandchildren Alyssa Hartung (Herndon, VA) and Michael Hartung (Leesburg, VA). Also, by brother Raymond Kelley and niece Jennifer Kelley (Old Saybrook, CT); nephews Jeffrey Kelley (Nassau Bay, TX), Bruce and Allan Kelley (Reno, NV) and niece Thea Kelley and husband Eric (Corvallis, OR). Also by his Puerto Rican brother, Rafael Fraguada, wife Alicia and their children Michael and Lorraine (Stratford, CT).

Heartfelt thanks to the ER and ICU staff at Cooley Dickenson Hospital and Hospice of the Fisher Home in Amherst for the incredible, compassionate care Marv received in his final days.

Memorial gifts to honor Marv may be directed to The Great Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund, Office of Advancement, NMH School, Mt. Hermon, MA, 01354; Rides for Health, c/o Trevor Boeding, Lifepath, 101 Munson St., Suite 2301, Greenfield, MA, 01301; or Pioneer Valley Symphony, 239R Main St., Greenfield MA, 01301.

No services are planned at this time. Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home is assisting the family.