John Patrick Kelly, Jr.

John "Jack" Patrick Kelly Jr., 89, of Tyngsboro, MA, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Lowell General Hospital.

He was the beloved husband of Mildred "Millie" A. Kelly, with whom he would have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on August 15th.

Born in Everett, MA, Jack was the son of the late John P. Kelly Sr. and Annie (McAdam) Kelly. He was a graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1954, and went on to attend Boston College.

Jack proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, where he became skilled in photography while stationed in Labrador, Canada. That skill shaped his lifelong career. In 1972, he founded Burlington Studio, which he owned and operated until passing the business to his son in the year 2000.

A longtime resident of Burlington, MA, Jack was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and President of the Rotary Club in Burlington. He moved to Tyngsboro in 2007, where he continued to enjoy life to the fullest.

Jack had a deep love for nature and the outdoors. He found joy in gardening, reading, and long walks-especially by the ocean. A devoted animal lover and New England Patriots fan, he rarely missed a game. He also enjoyed playing poker, chess, and handball.

In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his son Brian Kelly and his fiancée Abby Knowlton of West Orange, NJ; his daughter Julie Gilbody of Nashua, NH; and his sister Ann Morash and her husband Philip of Georgia, his Sister in law Brenda Kelly of Chelmsford, MA, and his sister in law Judy Kelly of Orleans, MA.

He also leaves behind two cherished grandchildren, Stephanie Perkins and Kathleen Danielson, and four adored great-grandchildren: Addision, Makenna, Teddy, and Vinny, many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jack was predeceased by his brothers, James Kelly and Richard Kelly.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Visiting hours Friday, July 18, 2025, from 10am at DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX STREET, N. CHELMSFORD, MA. Funeral at 12 Noon at the funeral home following visiting hours. Memorials may be made in his name to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital 501 St. Jude’s Place - Memphis, TN 38105 ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com