Bruce Edward Kelley

Bruce Edward Kelley, 73, of Milton, affectionately known as “Butch", “Babe”, “Dad", “Papa”, and “Chief", was called home on November 10th, 2025, at the Veteran’s Hospital in White River Junction, Vermont, with his wife by his side. He was born on November 18th, 1951, in Rutland, Vermont, born to Robert and Irene [Mercure] Kelley.

Bruce graduated from Rice Memorial high school in June of 1970. He joined the Unites States Navy SeaBees on November 19th, 1970, and proudly served on active duty until November 1st, 2000. During his career, he was stationed at various duty stations in the United States, from the east to west coast including Presidential support for Ronald Reagan in Santa Barbara, California. He also deployed several times in his career with Battalion units around the world, including, Rota Spain, Okinawa and Yokosuka, Japan, and Diego Garcia. He also was stationed in Keflavik, Iceland with his family. His last duty station was in Washington DC where he retired as Master chief (E9) after 30 years of service. He was qualified as a Seabee combat warfare specialist and his decorations include the Meritorious service medal, the Navy commendation medal (2 Awards) the Navy achievement medal (3 awards) along with many other unit and service awards. Bruce was also a member of Knights of Columbus, Council 750, in Oxnard California and served as a 4th degree knight in the council.

He married the love of his life and best friend, Nancy (Bissonnette), on February 17th, 1973, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. They brought 3 wonderful children into the world, who later brought them four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Bruce was a man of many interests and talents, such as woodworking, building toys and flag boxes motorcycles and sports, especially NYY baseball and football. He enjoyed taking trips with his family, camping, going to car/truck shows, as well as relaxing with family watching his favorite tv shows or action movies. Above all, his faith, family, and his military service were his passion. Known for his sense of humor and quick wit, Bruce could easily fill a room with laughter. His laugh alone was one of a kind; loud and boastful – a jokester - yet could make anyone around him smile. Beneath the jokes, was a heart of gold. His favorite past time was being at camp, playing cards and games with his family and friends. Talking to his friends and family about anything and everything under the sun for hours on end, especially about classic cars, military travels, and trading life stories.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Kelley of 52 years: his children, Michelle Kelley and Michael Kelley; his grandchildren, Krystal Kelley, Ashley Kelley, Chyann McMullen, and Mariah Kelley; his great-grandchildren, Ariyah Kelley, Alivia Lambert, Adalynn Lambert, and Alexavier Kelley-Brown; his niece, Holly Kelley; his nephew, Robbie Kelley; his lifelong friends, Gerry (Suzanne) Senesac, Paul (Joyce) Irving, and Bill (Christine) LaPoint; and many more extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Irene Kelley; his daughter, Melanie McMullen; his brother, David Kelley; his sister-in-law, Diane Kelley; and several other cherished relatives and friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Minor Funeral and Cremation Center in Milton, Vermont, followed by a brief prayer service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Milton, Vermont. The committal service will be announced and held at a later date in the spring of 2026.

The family would like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the remarkable healthcare professionals at the Veteran’s Hospital in White River Junction. The care and support Bruce received there cannot be measured in words. They would also like to thank the staff at the University of Vermont Medical Center for their kindness and care along with the clergy and staff at St. Ann’s Parish.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Bruce’s name to support the Josh Pallotta Fund and Josh’s House for Veterans in Colchester, Vermont. Donations may be made online by clicking here, or by mailing a check payable to “The Josh Pallotta Fund” to:

The Josh Pallotta Fund

P.O. Box 542

Colchester, VT 05446