Hon. Richard S. Kelley

Hon. Richard S. Kelley, 95, of Braintree and Kennebunkport, formerly of Belmont, MA, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2020. He is survived by his beloved wife Jane Cronin Kelley, his seven children, Kathleen Padis (Alexander), Elizabeth Gallagher, Atty. Richard S. Kelley, Jr. (Day Ann), Dr. Paul Kelley (Samuel), Barbara Kelley (Bruce), Atty. Laurence Kelley (Dianna), and Atty. J. Peter Kelley (Roma); and his five stepchildren, Margaret MacKenzie (Kenneth), Regina Proman (Joseph), Grace Greene (John), Mark Cronin (Ed), and Francis J. Cronin, Jr. (Christine).  He also leaves behind his adoring 23 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and many devoted nieces and nephews.

He was born to the late David J. Kelley, Esq. and Grace (Kennedy) Kelley in Somerville, Massachusetts.

Judge Kelley was preceded in death by his first spouse, Barbara (Fahey) Kelley, a son-in-law, James Gallagher, as well as his siblings, David J. Kelley, Jr., Grace Breslin, James Kelley, Margaret Wall, Mary Kelley, and Dr. John Kelley. 

He graduated from Boston College High School and the College of the Holy Cross (class of ’46). During WW II he was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy, serving as a communications officer aboard an LST. After graduating from Boston University School of Law he worked both in private practice and as an Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County. Active in politics, he was the Somerville campaign manager for John F. Kennedy’s senatorial re-election campaign. In 1979 he was appointed an Associate Superior Court Judge, retiring from the bench in 1994. He continued working part-time for some years as a mediator and arbitrator.

Dick was a loving spouse, a supportive and inspiring father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He was known for his impeccable work ethic, sense of humor and whimsy, his eternal optimism, and his deep religious faith. He loved puttering around the garden; summers at Goose Rocks Beach; collecting stamps, coins, and many other delights. What he treasured most, however, was spending time with his family and those fortunate to be among his many friends.

Because of safety measures in place concerning the current pandemic, a private Memorial Funeral Mass will be held at St Agatha Church on Saturday, October 24, 2020. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Archdiocesan Inner-City Scholarship Fund at www.csfboston.org, or to Boston College High School at www.bchigh.edu.

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