Larry Kelley

Larry Lester Kelley, 88, of Sacramento, California, passed away on December 1, 2025.

Larry was born on June 11, 1937, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to James and Bernice Kelley. He moved with his parents and sister, Pam, to Sacramento in 1941. Larry graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School in 1955. He then attended Sacramento City College and later transferred to Sacramento State University, where he played baseball and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation.

In 1960, Larry married Jacquelyn (Jacque) Schmitt. They had two children, Michelle and Brian. Larry and Jacque shared 65 wonderful years together.

Larry was an incredible baseball player, admired not only for his talent on the field, but also for his sportsmanship, dedication, and love of the game. After graduating from Sac State, Larry was offered a professional baseball contract but decided not to sign, choosing to stay close to his family. Instead, he accepted a position as a Recreation Supervisor with the City of North Sacramento. He continued working in the recreation field for 33 years, retiring from the City of Sacramento in 1993 as a Recreation Superintendent.

After Larry’s Sac State baseball days, he continued to play on several local semi-pro teams. He also enjoyed playing and coaching softball as well. He achieved great success in both sports, receiving numerous Hall of Fame inductions. Larry was deeply grateful for his Hall of Fame acknowledgments; however, he remained extremely humble about his achievements. Overall, Larry cherished playing the game and establishing life-long relationships with his teammates, coaches, and players.

When his daughter, Michelle, started her career on the diamond, Larry stepped in and began coaching her teams. It was under the leadership of Larry that Michelle and her teammates at Rio Americano High School became a dominant team in the Sacramento Area. Larry’s role did not end there, as he organized one of the best Women’s Fast Pitch Teams to ever play in Sacramento. Sportstime Express competed on the National Level, against the best teams in the country. At a time when female athletes were not taken as seriously as they should have, Larry made sure his softball players received the recognition they deserved for their talent.

More than sports, Larry’s greatest joy was his family. Larry shared his wonderful life with his family, including his parents, James and Bernice Kelley; his sister, Pam Capello; his wife, Jacquelyn Kelley; his children, Michelle Kelley-Huron and Brian Kelley; his grandchildren, Brittany Kelley, Mariah Kelley, Brandon Kelley, and Alex Huron; and his great-grandchildren, Adriel and Elena.

Larry loved to be surrounded by family and friends. He opened his home for countless gatherings, always valuing laughter, love, and togetherness. Throughout the years, Larry and Jacque hosted many get-togethers at their homes in Glenbrook and College Greens.

Larry’s playful sense of humor and caring personality impacted the lives of all who knew him. He accepted people for who they were, never saying an ill word toward anyone. Larry shaped lives as a teacher, mentor, and coach. He gave so much of his time to the community and the players he coached. He will be remembered for his kindness, humility, selflessness, and generosity. It would not be an exaggeration to say he would give the shirt off his back to someone in need.

His legacy is not only found in accomplishments or honors, but in the character he modeled, the family he nurtured, and the countless lives he touched.

A celebration of life will be held on March 14, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at the C.K. McClatchy High School gymnasium.