Kevin Denis Kelly

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Kevin Denis Kelly, 87, of Kingston, MA. He passed away peacefully on October 30th, 2025 at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth, with family by his side.

Kevin was born in County Derry, Northern Ireland to Bernard and Teresa Kelly. He grew up in Drumbuoy, Lifford, County Donegal, the eldest of eleven children. His childhood home was a loving one, consisting of a close-knit, Irish Catholic family. He attended the Technical College in Strabane, and continued his education at the College of Technology Kevin Street in Dublin, where he learned the skills to prepare him for a career as a merchant marine.

Leaving home at 17, he began his calling of going out to sea. Eventually, he immigrated to the United States, settling in Dorchester, Massachusetts. On October 21st, 1965, he married the love of his life, Bridie, his wife of 60 years. Moving to Cape Cod in the early 1970s, they purchased a home in Centerville, MA, where they raised their four children: Patrick, Robert, Charlie, and Ryan.

His work as a radio operator demanded that he be away from home for several months at a time. Providing for his family was always his number one priority. Over the years, he worked for different shipping companies, including 20 years with Exxon, sailing on super tankers carrying oil to countries all over the world. After his retirement from Exxon, he worked through his union, the American Radio Association, sailing on container ships. His favorite voyage was when his wife Bridie accompanied him to East Asia, visiting Japan and Hong Kong.

After his career at sea ended, he retired to his home with his wife in Centerville, MA. A lifelong learner, he enjoyed working with computers and taking photography classes. He loved music of all kinds, whether it be rock, blues, country or opera. Passionate about politics, he loved watching his favorite news shows and was always willing to participate in a healthy debate. He loved his little Pomeranian, "Gracie", who was always by his side. He was a kind and generous soul, and his legacy will live on through his family.

He is survived by his wife, Bridie (Shaughnessy) Kelly, his sons Robert, Ryan, Charlie and his wife Jane, Patrick and his wife Lisa, grandchildren Joseph, Emmie, Owen, Molly, Alexandra, Samantha, Daniel and Michael, brothers Sean, James, Leo and Brendan, sisters Sheila, Geraldine and Anne, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Bernard, his mother Teresa, and his brothers Bobby, Brian and Charlie.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr William Kormos and his staff at Mass General Hospital, the doctors and nurses at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth, and the Kingston Fire and Police departments.

May Kevin rest in peace, and may the memories shared bring comfort to those who loved him.

A funeral service will be held at St. Mary's Church in Plymouth on Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Kingston, MA. Service and burial will be private.