PATRICK J. KELLY

KELLY, Patrick J. Age 80, of West Roxbury, formerly of Milton, passed away peacefully, on May 11, 2025, after a brief illness, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Dysart, County Roscommon, Ireland on May 6, 1945, to Michael John and Helena Kelly. From a very young age, Patrick was passionate about Gaelic sports. He was an outstanding football player and member of the St. Aidan's Football Club, which won the 1966 Roscommon County championship. He immigrated to Boston in 1968 to join his brothers and sister, where he would become a well-known figure in the city's Irish community. He owned and operated the Tara Room in the Ashmont neighborhood of Dorchester from 1971 to 2001, a popular gathering place for generations of Irish immigrants and locals. Patrick was a loving father to his two daughters, his eldest the late Courtney Kelly, who predeceased him in 2015; and is survived by his daughter, Andrea Kelly. Husband of 28 years to the late Margaret Nash-Kelly. Patrick was one of eight children. He is survived by siblings, Peter and wife, Rosemary Kelly, Catherine and her late husband, Tom Kelly, Goretti and Malachy Fallon, Paul Kelly and the late Eleanor and her surviving husband, Pat Fay. He was predeceased by siblings, Michael and Ann Kelly. Survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and a large circle of friends. Patrick will be remembered for his warmth, wit, generous spirit and his enduring contributions to Boston's Irish cultural life. He was an active member of the Irish Social Club of West Roxbury, the Irish Cultural Center of Canton, former Chairman of the Shannon Blues football club and the Irish Pastoral Center in Dorchester, where he dedicated a room in honor of his late daughter Courtney's memory. He leaves behind a legacy of community, hospitality and love for his Irish heritage. May he rest in peace. Visiting Hours at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., WEST ROXBURY, on Thursday, May 15, from 4:00pm - 7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Agatha Church, 432 Adams St., Milton, MA, on Friday, May 16, at 12:00 noon. To live stream the Funeral Mass, go to https://vimeo.com/event/5126814. Funeral arrangements in Ireland are as follows: Visiting Hours at the Dempsey Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 20, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick Church, Dysart on Wednesday, May 21, at 11:30am. To live stream the Funeral Mass go to https://youtube.com/live/D9PIrV8OcgQ?feature=share. Burial to follow in Dysart Cemetery, County Roscommon, Ireland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Irish Pastoral Centre, 540 Gallivan Blvd., Dorchester, MA 02124. For guestbook, gormleyfuneral.com William J. Gormley Funeral Service 617-323-8600