Steven Kelley

Northfield, MA - Steven Kelley, affectionately known as Kelly, passed away on December 31, 2023 peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Born in 1949 in the Bronx, NY, Kelly's early years unfolded in Hastings, NY. His enduring partnership with Poppi began when they met in Tarrytown during her college days and spanned over 52 years.

Their shared adventures took them through New York, New Hampshire, Maine (welcoming daughter Sara), and Connecticut, ultimately settling in San Diego, where Kelly embraced sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Welcoming son Justin and earning a mathematics degree from San Diego State University, his time in San Diego was transformative on many levels.

In 1986, the couple returned to the East Coast, making Northfield, MA their home. Kelly passionately taught mathematics at Turners Falls High School for over two decades, fostering deep connections with students and colleagues. In 2000, he and Poppi pursued their dream, opening the Big Kitchen Cafe in Northfield. After a brief return to teaching, retirement in 2008 ushered them into new adventures, including a decade as organic farmers on Poppi's family homestead in South Deerfield.

Kelly's final retirement came in 2022 when he and Poppi settled in Northfield near the New Hampshire border. A cherished "Oumpa" to grandchildren Chloe, Sydney, Walter, and George, Kelly relished sharing sports, cribbage, and pool with them. Noteworthy in his life was the steadfast support he provided to Western Massachusetts AA, sponsoring newcomers and contributing to a robust sober community.

Kelly is survived by his beloved wife Poppi, his daughter Sara and husband Jamie, his son Justin and wife Eva, and his grandchildren Chloe, Sydney, Walter, and George. Kelly's memory is also cherished by his siblings Mike and Marie.

A celebration of life will take place at the Grapevine, 93 Chapman Street, Greenfield, MA on Saturday, January 6th from 2-4pm. Donations can be made in Kelly's honor to Western Massachusetts Intergroup: checks can be mailed to 300 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 or donations can be made online at https://westernmassaa.org/.

Please join us in celebrating Kelly's life to honor a man whose journey was defined by love, resilience, and a profound impact on those fortunate enough to have known him

Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave. Northfield, Ma. Is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Recorder on Jan. 3, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Kelley

17 Entries

Douglas N Smith

March 11, 2024

So sorry to hear this news, he was one of kind for sure, so grateful to have met him. My thoughts and prayers to Poppi and all his family.

Doug S.

Paul Madsen

Planted Trees

Janie and Roger

January 9, 2024

Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Kelley. Sending you love and prayers to bring you peace.

Caren F

January 6, 2024

With heavy sadness and much gratitude... remembering Kelley and his legacy and how he has touched the lives of so many with the support of his family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thank you Kelley for your continued service and dedication to such a legacy.
Life well lived.

Kristine Villeneuve-Topor

January 6, 2024

I am very grateful to have met Kelly. He was a gentle sole and always welcomed me to the Northfield meeting. It will never be the same there. God needs him for another mission. We have all been Blessed by Kelly's time here on earth. My deepest condolences to you Poppi. Kris with a K

Diane Miller

January 5, 2024

Bear Hugs! In my early sobriety I didn´t talk much to others. Kelly would come up with a Bear Hug and say "Keep coming", it gets better. He was right. I will miss those hugs. RIP my friend you will be missed.

Elise Rice

January 5, 2024

I will always remember Kelley for the unconditional love, care and attention he always gave others. When he spoke, people listened and if it didn´t put a smile on your face it put wisdom in your pocket!! His beautiful presence and soul will be forever missed but what a wonderful difference he made in this world!
Thank you Kelley!!

Elise Rice

Judy August

January 5, 2024

Kelly was a very nice man. Always a smile on his face.
He was very much admired by his family. May he rest in peace.

Valerie Cullen

January 4, 2024

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Arlene Tierney

January 4, 2024

Poppy and family-I was so saddened to learn of Kelly´s passing. Having worked with him at Turners Falls High School was an honor. He was an exemplary teacher who not only taught math but life´s lessons a to students. He cared deeply about not only his students but the faculty. I was always glad when he came to talk to me because I always got the real, no-nonsense version of the events. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace good and faithful servant.

Sheila P.

January 3, 2024

As was said to me by Kelly some 21+ years ago: We saved a seat for you...
Until we meet again, thanks for the seat and the miracle that came with it! Love to Poppi, Babe, Jamie & Sara.
Sheila P.

Ellen

January 3, 2024

Will always remember what a beautiful soul and humor you had. Will miss you and say hi to all the past members! Love you! Ellen Vishaway

Jera

January 3, 2024

While I did not know Kelly as well as so many others, his words of wisdom touched my heart whenever he spoke. Wishing his family and friends much comfort and love during this trying time.

Mary

January 3, 2024

I will forever be grateful and humbled for the privilege and pleasure it was for my family and I to have known such a great, truly great selfless man. Kelly, as he did for thousands of others, loved me, believed in me, welcomed me into his world of home, family and recovery. For over 50 years there was never a Kelly without a Poppy nor a Poppy without a Kelly. Together they saved, fed, donated and with unconditional love, helped to keep us sober through laughter, knowledge and truth. It will be my lifetime mission to try and do for others as they have done for me.
~Mary B.~

Faye

January 3, 2024

Dear Poppi, Sara, and Justin.
I am so sorry to hear you lost Kelly. Sending love and heartfelt condolences from Casey, Matt, and Faye Vollinger.

Isabelle Botelho

January 2, 2024

That was one of the teachers at my mom´s high school. Sorry for your loss to the wife, children, and grandchildren

Lauren

January 2, 2024

My sincerest condolences to Kelly's family. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend a fair amount of one on one time with Kelly over the past year playing pool out in his barn. He was such a great teacher and my pool game improved dramatically under his tutelage. He also taught me about life over the years and about showing up. Kelly always showed up! If I didn't show up, I would get a text from Kelly. Kelly's consistent encouragement and support also helped me to grow as a person over the last 12 years. He was there at our important family events. I believe an accurate way of measuring a person's impact is by the size of the void they leave when they are no longer with us. Kelly's void is going to be huge in this community and the loss is going to be felt for quite some time. He led by example and "walked the talk" for decades. I was honored to have known him and to call him my friend and I will miss him.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results