John M Kelly

John M. Kelly, 80, of Natick, passed away peacefully at home on November 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Born in Brighton on October 26, 1945, and raised in Natick, he was the loving son of the late John and Helen (Driscoll) Kelly. John was a descendant of the Fairbanks family, who settled in Dedham, MA, in 1633.
Beloved husband of 52 years to Barbara (Ciano) Kelly. Devoted father of Sheryl Flynn (Mark) of Ashland, Kathryn Kelly (Tim) of Natick, and Erin Kelly (Nicole) of Natick. Loving grandfather of Samantha (Hamilton), Kasey, and Summer, and great-grandfather of Madellene, Juliet, Melanie, and Daniel John. Cherished brother of Robert Kelly (Meredith) of Auburn, ME, and Richard Kelly of Natick, and brother to the late Paul and David Kelly. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
A master craftsman, John owned and operated Kelly's Upholstering in Natick for more than 40 years. John was known for his love of dogs, his knack for befriending squirrels with peanuts, his corny jokes, and for cooking the best breakfasts-especially his legendary home fries-for his girls. He cherished time spent with family and friends both at home and at his cabin in Washington, NH. He loved a good road trip having driven to Alaska twice and was always up for an adventure.
Above all, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle, whose kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
Visiting hours will be held at John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, Natick Common, on Sunday, November 23rd, from 1–4 PM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to:
Good Shepherd Community Care, 160 Wells Ave, Newton, MA 02459 – Donate | Good Shepherd Community Care
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 350, Chicago, IL 60606 – Donate | Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
For directions and the online guestbook, please visit www.everettfuneral.com.