Frederick M Kelley

Frederick “Fred” Michael Kelley, 86, of Belmont, passed away on November 27, 2020.  He was born on December 8, 1933, son of the late Michael Frederick andTheresa Bridget Delia (Finnegan) Kelley.  He was the oldest of seven.  Cherished husband of Ann (O’Leary) Kelley of Belmont. Loving and devoted father and father-in-law to Michael Frederick Kelley and Elizabeth “Lisa” Tyminski of Boston, MA, Carole and Michael Ellis of Ashland, MA, Suzanne and Ryan Finn of Philadelphia, PA, Christopher and Jeri Sue Kelley of Billings, MT, and the late Kevin Kelley of Belmont, MA. Proud and loving grandfather to Caroline, Lauren, Michael “Jack,” Liam, Charlotte, Abigail, Katherine, Andrew, and Bridget. 

Beloved older brother to Margaret Kelley O’Brien of Quincy, William Kelley of Belmont, and Thomas Kelley of Quincy, MA.  He is also survived by his brother-in-law Fr. Gerald O’Leary of Quincy, and by many nieces and nephews and their families.   He was predeceased by his son Kevin, his parents and his siblings, Bernard Kelley of Quincy, Eileen Kelley O’Connor of Arlington and Brenda Kelley of Jamaica Plain. 

A graduate of Boston College High School (’51) and Boston College (’55), he was a BC Superfan and enjoyed spending his Saturdays watching BC football games.  After college, Fred served as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. Upon leaving the Navy, Fred started working in the Boston Financial District. He became a Stockbroker and worked as such into his 80’s. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteered at many Catholic charities. He was also active in state politics, eventually serving as the Campaign Treasurer for Governor Ed King’s 1978 run for office. During the King Administration, Fred was appointed by Gov. King to the position of Associate Commissioner of the Metropolitan District Commission.

Fred met the love of his life, Ann O’Leary, while on the Cape with friends. They were married for 56 years. They loved laughter-filled long drives and a great meal by the water. They also loved travel and went to eight Super Bowls. Ann and Fred’s greatest gift came with the birth of their fifth child, Kevin Seton, a special needs child. It is a comfort to know they are together again.

Fred’s favorite thing was family. An old school gentleman and father who led by example, he daily asked his children and grandchildren, “What have you done to make the world a better place?” and reminded them to “Help not hurt.” When on the phone with him, even while in the hospital, he would start the call by saying, “More importantly, how are you?” He would end the call asking, “What can I do for you?”

He could always be found working in the yard with his brother and best friend William by his side. He loved music and dancing. A sharp dresser, Fred’s go-to outfit was his blue blazer, dress shirt, and slacks - all topped off with his Navy hat. 

He lived an exceptionally good life and much longer than expected. At 23, while in the Navy, Fred was diagnosed with Type I diabetes and told he would only live to 48. Beating those odds was an extraordinary achievement that he attained through prayer, determination, and a mission to take care of his family.

Visiting hours in the  Brown & Hickey Funeral Home, 36 Trapelo Rd, Belmont, on Friday Dec 11th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated in St Joseph Church 130 Common Street Belmont on Saturday, December 12th, at 10:00 AM.  Relatives and friends invited. Interment will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, West Roxbury. Face masks and social distancing protocols will be observed. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Fred’s name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF.org), Boston College High School (www.bchigh.edu), or a charity of your choice. 

Funeral and interment will be live-streamed by visiting /https://www.harborview.live/

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