Edmond J. Kelly, Jr.

Worcester-Edmond J. Kelly, Jr., 88, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2022, after a yearlong battle with brain cancer (GBM). He was the beloved husband of Mary (Murphy) Kelly, with whom he shared nearly 65 years of marriage. His life exemplified devotion to family; he raised 12 children, was cherished by 28 grandchildren, and had 3 great grandchildren. Born and raised in Jamaica Plain, Boston of Irish Catholic immigrants, son of the late Edmond and Ellen (O'Connor) Kelly, Ed was the dear brother of Mary Degnan and Ellen O'Connell, both of Wrentham, MA, and the late Paul Kelly and Robert Kelly. Ed leaves behind two daughters, Maureen (Ron) of Stoughton, MA, Brenda (Walter) Conlin of Shrewsbury, MA; ten sons, Martin (Megan) of Shrewsbury, MA, Michael (Erin) of Haverhill, MA, Patrick (Sandy) of Grafton, MA, Dennis (Karin) of Millbury, MA, Kevin of Worcester, MA, Sean (former spouse Sue) of Worcester, MA, Edmond (separated spouse Millie) of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Dan of Sarasota, FL, Stephen (Tina) of Grafton, MA, Brian of Belfast, Ireland. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends in the United States and Ireland, and a sister-in-law Marilyn Kelly. He proudly served in the 24th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army in Korea, attended Boston College on the GI Bill, then earned a MSW from the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work (former President of its Alumni Association) – focusing on Community Organization and Social Planning. His decades long career with the United Way concluded with him as Planning Director in Central Mass., and involved forming an agency for the 'War on Poverty' and helping organize YOU, Inc. He later retired from the USDA Food & Nutrition Service. Ed served as President of Division 36, A.O.H., in Worcester, a reflection of his deep appreciation for his Irish roots and the Celtic culture. He was the winner of a national essay contest on Irish history, as well as Hibernian of the Year in Worcester. He was a longtime member of Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435, Chapter 4 of Disabled American Veterans, and of the Korean War Veterans of America. He was a voracious reader who enjoyed relaxing with visitors in his backyard screen house, attending grandchildren's events, watching BC Eagles games, camping, fishing, and woodworking. Friends and relatives are respectfully invited to calling hours on Monday from 4-7pm at Callahan, Fay, and Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. The funeral is Tuesday at 10am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton St., Worcester, with a Celebration of Life afterwards at the Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre at 19 Temple St., Worcester. He will be buried with military honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA, on Wednesday at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed's memory to Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435, 267 Providence St., Worcester, MA, 01607.