James Herbert Kelly

Merrimack, NH - Mr. James Herbert Kelly, Sr., of Merrimack, New Hampshire, formerly of Belmont and Framingham, died Thursday, June 2, 2011 in Ridgewood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Bedford, New Hampshire. He was 80.

Jim was born on July 8, 1930 in Boston, the youngest son of the late Duncan and Margaret (Forsythe) Kelly. He graduated from Belmont High School in l948 where he was the secretary of the class and the quarterback of the football team. He earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Boston University.

He lived many years in Waltham before moving to Framingham to raise his family. His second marriage in 1978 to Joan (Fitzpatrick) Kelly was followed by their moving to Upland, California where they lived for over 10 years before returning to New Hampshire in 1988.

He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

His professional career began in sales for varied heavy duty construction companies. In California he was a self-employed accountant for many small businesses. Upon return to New Hampshire he worked for H & R Block where he taught tax courses in the fall and would be working on tax returns for the balance of the year.

He and Joan volunteered extensively for the Veterans Administration in Manchester, New Hampshire and developed many lasting friendships from their time spent at the facility. They also enjoyed traveling and would annually make trips across the country. An avid sports enthusiast, he was also active in Framingham Youth Sports while his sons were learning to play ball. He was a lifelong member of the Masons.

He was predeceased by his former wife, Phyllis (Iandoli) Kelly and his siblings, Gladys Kelly and Russell Kelly.

Besides his wife, Joan (Fitzpatrick) Kelly, Jim leaves his children, Nancy G. Verdolino and her husband, James, of Hopedale, James H. Kelly Jr., of Bethlehem, New Hampshire, Bryan D. Kelly of Framingham and Linda Leigh Gallant and her husband, Peter, of Nashua, New Hampshire; 12 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews, including his nephew, Steven Walton and his wife, Evelyn, of Marlborough. He also leaves many relatives from Joan’s family including John O’Reilly of Highland, California.


Family and friends will honor and remember Jim’s life by gathering for his funeral service on Tuesday, June 7th, at 10 a.m. in Christ Episcopal Church, 750 Main Street, Waltham. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.