Tribute & Message From The Family
Message From The Family
Thank you for your support during this difficult time.
Please enhance this tribute to Fred by adding your memories.
Frederick Robert Kelley Jr. of Chelsea and Little Neck, Ipswich passed peacefully surrounded by his family at the Kaplan Family Hospice House on June 22, 2019. He was 83 years of age. Beloved and devoted husband of Maryalice (Quigley) Kelley. Loving father of Frederick R. Kelley III & his wife Lauren of Melrose, Nancy "Trudy" Lydon & her husband Jim of Reading and Kara Kelley of Charlestown. Cherished grandfather of Frederick R. Kelley IV, Linnea Kelley, Ciara Lydon & Matthew Lydon. Brother of Judy Morency and her husband Omer of Everett & Claire O'Brien of Chelsea. Also survived by numerous family members, nieces, nephews and friends.
Born and raised in Chelsea, MA Fred attended St. Rose School and graduated from Chelsea High School in 1954. He was also a graduate of Newbury Junior College and served in the US Army for two seperate tours from 1957-1962. A self employed business man Fred was the proud owner and operator of Kelley Equipment Company serving the Greater Boston Area and Northshore for over 40 years.
A generous and caring man Fred will best be remembered for his laughter and big heart. He got great joy driving around visiting clients and continued working actively in the business until his last days. Fred had a tremendous love and loyalty to the City of Chelsea, raising his family on Garfield Ave and serving on the City Planning Board. Through the years he also participated in many other community focused efforts. He cherished the lifelong friendships created in Chelsea and the memories of growing up on Library Street.. Fred also got great joy from spending his summers on Little Neck In Ipswich, MA and as a member of the Ipswich Bay Yacht Club. He and Maryalice spent over 45 years on the Neck with their children and grandchildren creating endless memories and friendships. He easily connected with all types of people and always found the good in everyone. He will be greatly missed by many.
Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Thursday, June 27, 2019 from 3:00-7:00PM. Funeral procession from Gately Funeral Home on Friday morning June 28th at 9:15AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield at 10:15AM. Interment at Greenlawn Cemetery in Salem. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. US Army Veteran. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Fred's name to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St. Danvers, MA 01903
Condolence & Memory Journal
As you remember your love one, as God heals your broken hearts (Psalm 147:3), may your cherished memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength to endure.
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Liz
Posted by
A friend July 03, 2019
Literally the nicest man on Earth. You will be missed Fred. Our hearts go out to his loving family. God bless you Fred and may you rest In peace.
Posted by
Gary and Doreen Sprague - Saugus, MA - Friend July 02, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Posted by
A. H. - NC June 30, 2019
My condolences to the family and friends. God promises to be with us at Isaiah 4:10 if we call on Him. May He get you through this difficult time.
Posted by
A friend June 29, 2019
My deepest sympathy to Fred's loved ones. Simply one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. His smile and laughter were infectious and his wit sharp as a tack. But what I always admired about Fred was the love and commitment he had to his family. God bless you Fred, there aren't many like you!!
Posted by
Joe Stanford - Reading, MA June 27, 2019
So sad to hear of this. Just a wonderful human being. Wonderful husband, Father, Grand Father and friend to everyone he met. I loved it when he'd stop by and talk. Share stories and laughs. I think of him like The Pope, John Wayne, and Ted Williams rolled into one. An example of what men should be, to their family church and community. Some people talk about religion and what they've learned. Fred lived and showed all the goodness he believed in. He and Mary Alice shared a wonderful life and raised a wonderful family, who have learned the lessons they were shown and incorporated them into their own style. He was in love with his second home, Little Neck and protected it well. Always willing to lend a helping hand or advice. Long live Kelley's Kitchen. I'm so happy to call him and his family, my friend. God Bless Fred. Perfect picture
Posted by
Michael O'Brien - Haverhill, MA - Family Friend June 27, 2019
My deepest condolences to the Kelley family.
Mr Kelley (Fred) is a gem I will always remember. Sorry for your loss and pain at this time.
Peace and love
Paul McAskill
Posted by
Paul McAskill McAskill - Eliot, ME - Friend June 27, 2019
I will always remember Freddy , a great friend and story teller , always made you laugh., but my first thoughts of Freddy was when I got out of school, St. Rose, back in the 50's ,and I saw a crowd across the street gathering. I went over and someone said there was going to be a fight, and that Fred Kelley was going to fight someone. Freddy was pointed out to me, just before the fight started, Freddy outs out and said, wait wait I can't fight , I have to take off my new shoes off my mother just brought me, and so the fight was delayed. Well everybody there just started to laugh. Whenever I saw Freddy at my brother-in-laws barber shop, Sonny. I always reminded Freddy, and we would have a good laugh. he always remembered He wasn't sure who one, or the reason for the fight but that was Freddy.. I offer my sincere condolences, and will keep Freddy in my prayers. God Bless.
Posted by
Joseph Fern - Chelsea, MA - Friend June 27, 2019
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family at this difficult time. Please find peace in knowing that God understands your grief and that He cares.1 Pet 5:6-7.
Sincerely, JH
Posted by
A friend June 27, 2019
Greetings Kelley Clan Big Fred was one my favorite neighbors on the Neck RIP and I will always remember his big smile, especially around his clan ... My prayers and love go out to all the Kelley's Godspeed and hope to see you guys in September peace ang love ... Scott
Posted by
Scott McAskill - New Smyrna Beach, FL - Friend June 26, 2019
Dear Maryalice, so sorry to read about the passing of your husband, Fred. I hope your memories will give you some comfort. Jean Izzo MacDonald
Posted by
jean macdonald - somerville - Friend June 26, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Fred. Losing a loved one in death is very difficult. May you find peace and comfort in this time of need.
Posted by
SG - FL June 26, 2019
Dear Kelley family - I am so very sorry to hear this news. I will always remember Uncle Fred as a person who had a way of lighting up a room with his larger than life personality and laugh. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Fondly - Kelly, Michael Jr., Jack and Brian Quigley
Posted by
Kelly Quigley - Andover, MA - Family June 25, 2019
I am so sorry fir your loss . I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers . With my deepest sympathy and love ..
Posted by
Lynn Ouellette - MELROSE, MA - Friend June 24, 2019
I'm so sorry Nancy to hear the passing of your dad. My condolences to you and your family. .
Eileen. Malames
Burlington. Ma
Cousin
Posted by
Eileen Malames - Burlington's, MA - Family June 24, 2019
there are no words to say how we feel.to mary alice freddy kara Trudy and to the Kelley family we are so very very sorry for your loss May fred R.I.p.
Posted by
robert and ginny borden - chelsea, MA - Neighbor June 24, 2019
Fred was a kind and caring man who developed a fond friendship with my father who owned the BLUEFRONT RESTAURANT in the North End. Fred would come into the restaurant have lunch and chat endlessly with my father. I last saw him while we were shopping at Market Basket in his beloved home of Chelsea.
On behalf of the Passacantilli family I want to express our sincere condolences to his family!
REST IN PEACE FRED!
Daniel J. Passacantilli
Posted by
A friend June 24, 2019
I am having a tough time reconciling that such an amazing man is no longer with us. His sense of humor, story telling and love for all of us is unmatched. Uncle Fred was like a second father to me and I am going to miss him popping into my office unexpectedly with always a funny story (or multiple stories) to brighten my day. Thinking of all of you.
Posted by
Mark Quigley - Marblehead, MA June 24, 2019
Fred was a wonderful man who showed many kindnesses to my family, especially to my cousins and aunt Gloria Quigley. A man my late father Charles unfailing referred to as a true gentleman.
Posted by
Kevin Archdeacon - Lynnfield, MA - Family Friend June 24, 2019
Uncle Fred was not only was he one of my favorite relatives but he was one of my favorite people of all. His wit and wisdom was unique and inspiring. The great memories of him remind me how truly fortunate I was to have had him in my family.
Posted by
Charles Quigley - Winthrop - Family June 23, 2019
Sending love and prayers. My dad love him so much. God Bless you all
Posted by
Kim Abruzzo / Mac Donald - Sewell, NJ - Family Friend June 23, 2019
mary alice kara fred Trudy there are no words that ginny and I can say we are truly so very for sorry for your loss
Posted by
robert and ginny borden - chelsea, MA - Neighbor June 23, 2019
I loved going to visit Freddie and Msryaluce with my dad and mom at Great Neck... They always made us feel so welcome...Freddie always made my dad laugh... I will miss our visits
Posted by
Patty Fitzpatrick Fabiano - Melrose, MA - Family June 23, 2019
The Gately Family and Staff wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call on us at anytime as we are always available to you.
Posted by
John W. Gately, John H. Gately & Fred Sprague - Melrose, MA June 23, 2019