John T. Kelley

John T. "Jack" Kelley, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the Ellis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Norwood, Massachusetts.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 19, 1941, he was the son of the late John T. and Florence A. (O'Hearn) Kelley.  Jack spent his early years in Westwood, Massachusetts, moving to the West Roxbury neighborhood of Boston after his father passed away.  While living in West Roxbury, Jack attended Boston Latin School before graduating from Gate of Heaven High School in South Boston with the Class of 1960.  Following his graduation, he continued his education at Wentworth Institute of Technology, taking various courses.  In December of 1963, Jack enlisted in the United States Army Reserve, proudly serving his country.  After completing basic training, Jack remained with the Army Reserve for six years, always ready to serve if he was needed.

 

Jack married his beloved wife, Linda J. Vorderer, on May 15, 1965, at Saint Ambrose Church in Dorchester.  Together, they made their home in Dorchester, before settling in Walpole, Massachusetts two years later to raise their family.  Jack's career took him to several local businesses before taking a position with the telephone company.  As a young man, Jack was assigned to the installation department of AT&T, working hard to ensure his customers were provided the best service.  While his full-time position was with the phone company, Jack moonlighted in several businesses to earn extra money for his family.  While he worked hard, Jack also made time to give back to his community.  He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1319, spending countless hours volunteering.  For his dedication to the Knights of Columbus, Jack was elected to serve as the Grand Knight from 1976-1977.

 

In the mid-1970s, Jack took a promotion, coming on board with the New England Telephone Company, serving as a marketing and technology staff manager.  He remained with the phone company for many years until his retirement in 1992.  Even in his retirement, Jack stayed loyal to the company, returning as an outside contractor, teaching first aid and providing driving instruction for an additional fifteen years. 

 

Throughout his life, Jack had a zest for travel and loved visiting tropical destinations.  He and Linda looked forward to departing the Boston area bound for the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean, visiting almost every island at least once.  Upon arrival, Jack would make his way right to the beach, soaking up the warm sun and taking a dip in the ocean.  Back at home, Jack's summer weekends were always spent on Cape Cod, enjoying the beaches of Falmouth with his family.  in 1998, he and Linda purchased their own cottage in East Falmouth and loved spending time at their little piece of heaven. 

 

More than anything, Jack was devoted to his family, and while he enjoyed countless memorable trips, the two that really stood out revolved around those he loved.  The first was his trip to Ireland with his wife, Linda, by his side, exploring his family's roots and enjoying all the country had to offer.  The second was the trip top the Outer Banks, where Jack surrounded himself with his children and grandchildren for a once in a lifetime experience.  He truly loved seeing his family happy and enjoyed taking an active role in his grandchildren’s lives.

 

Beloved husband of Linda J. (Vorderer) Kelley.

Loving father of Donna J. Kelley and her significant other, Jon Mograss, of Walpole, John T. Kelley, Jr. and his wife, Paige, of Dighton, and Gail M. Goebel and her husband, Thomas, of Norton.

Cherished grandfather of Erin, Megan, Jenna, Timothy, John, and Matthew.

Devoted brother of Gerald Kelley and his wife, Lauren, of Whitman.

Also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jack's Life Celebration on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

 

All are invited to gather in the funeral home on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 9:30 AM, prior to Jack's Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole at 10:30 AM.  Interment will take place privately.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jack's name may be made to: Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude’s Place Memphis, TN 38105 or at https://www.stjude.org/