John Minton (Jr) Kelley

BRAINTREE - John M. Kelley, Jr. at the age of 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Braintree surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. John was born in Waltham and a graduate of St. Mary’s High School where he played on the hockey team. John Graduated from the Boston College Business School Program with a B.S.B.A. in 1954.  He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954 and spent two years as an SP-3 stationed at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. John spent 37 years as a District Sales Manager for Heublein Wines. After retiring in 1992, John began a new career as a Regional Courier for the Weekly Builders Report company in Brewster.  He officially retired at the age of 82.

John is survived by the love of his life who he adored for 63 years, Mary Cathleen (Cushing) Kelley of East Braintree. He was a loving father to his children Robert Kelley of San Francisco, M. Cathleen Kelley of Weymouth, Richard Kelley of Norton and Thomas Kelley of Braintree, and cousin Richard Rennie of Bruinswick, Maine as well as numerous family members and friends.

John is predeceased by his first son John M. Kelley, III, formerly of Plymouth; his loving parents Alice and John Kelley of Waltham, his sister Barbara Weedon of Scituate, and sister Marjorie Joyal of Waltham.

John was devoted and loved his family and being “Dad” to his five children then “Grampy” to his 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He loved playing and watching hockey, especially the Boston College Eagles and the Boston Bruins. He was also an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. John treasured his summer vacations with family in York Beach, Maine, and swimming in the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. He valued family traditions and celebrating the Holidays. Besides his wife Cathy, John’s greatest love was taking care of his family pool where he taught all of his grandchildren how to swim.  He will be remembered and dearly missed by all he touched for his kind heart, his generosity and positivity.

There will be a funeral Mass at St Francis of Assisi Church in Braintree on December 3, 2020 at 10:00 am.  Burial to follow at Blue Hill Cemetery.

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