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I am sad (and totally stunned) to report that Jeff Kelly passed away last weekend. I have posted his obituary below. Jeff attended our 50th Reunion and was happy and well at the time. He was delighted to reconnect with everyone and afterwards wrote that "it was a life changing event"-- he was very happy that he went. Jeff loved to tell stories and make people laugh. If you have "a Jeff story"/fond memory please take a few moments to enter it below. I know he would love it! Let's keep the candle burning! Becky
Here is the obituary that appeared in the Salem News:
Jeffrey V. Kelly,69, passed away on Saturday, January 23rd at Kaplan Family Hospice Home surrounded by his family. Born in Yonkers, NY, he was the son of the late Thomas and Carol Lee (Sierk) Kelly. Jeffrey grew up in Pleasantville, NY and was a graduate of Pace College , where he was recently inducted into the Pace College Basketball Hall of Fame. He received his masters degree from Leslie University in Boston. Jeffrey worked as a professor for various ages and many schools. He most recently taught English at Salem State University and for the past seven years at Endicott College in Beverly. Jeffrey was a very smart and talented man, having written four children's books. He was an avid reader, lover of sports and most of all, loved his family.
He is survived by his two daughters, Sarah Woods of Concord and Rebecca Kelly of Virginia; one brother, Peter Kelly of Westchester County NY and Plum Island and two grand children, Connor and Samuel Woods. He was predeceased by his granddaughter Tess Woods. He is also survived by his best friend and caretaker, Michelle Briard of Beverly, his former wife Carolyn Kelly of Portsmouth and countless other family members, friends and students.
No services at this time. Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home in Beverly. Memorial donations may be made in Jeffrey's name to Kaplan Family Hospice home 78 Liberty Street Danvers, MA 01923.
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Peter Scoppettone
I am so saddened and shocked by Jeff's passing. I have high school memories of a truly nice person. I am sad. Peter Scoppettone
Anne Valentine (Duncan)
You were my friend pretty much forever. I shall miss you dearly. Rest in peace, sweet Jeffrey.
Jim Sullivan
I remember Jeff as a nice guy. This is way too early to loose the good ones. RIP friendPam Maine (Cavanagh)
My long term high school love. So happy we spent time together at the 50th. A sweet final memory.
Bob (Robie) Roemer
I am so glad we were able to get Jeff to come to the 50th. It was obvious that he was having a good time during the reunion. Later he told me that it was a life changing experience for him. So sorry to have him leave us.
Burt Gershater
Bless you, dear Jeffrey. I loved your gentle smile, beautiful poetry, sweet jump shot and our rekindled friendship. I miss you, brother. Safe travels!
Ted Gelsthorpe
Jeff was such a kind and gentle soul; and a heck of a nice fellow. At our 50th reunion conversation, he told me how he was reawakening some pleasant memories he had of all of us during our Pleasantville years.
In addition to his BB prowess, he had baseball pitching skills, too. Although unknown to some of us back then, I imagine he was also an English, literature, and writing whiz, too. We were battery mates playing JV frosh baseball together; Jeff pitched and I caught behind the plate. Although I never heard any comments, now I can laugh and imagine tall, slim Jeff and I, about 4" shorter and equally as lean, were the Whitey Ford and Yogi aka Mutt and Jeff battery that lead our frosh JV baseball team to a respectable record (Geezer memories may embellish the good stuff). I recall the hours we practiced on our own outside of regular practice helping Jeff develop a curve ball and a change up in addition to his lively fast ball. From our pleasant reconnection and his recounting of his life teaching and writing, I suspect that was the only curve Jeff threw at life. A thoroughly fine and decent fellow, who, I hope in the past year and a half, was able to reflect on his PHS years and all of us that valued and benefited from his friendship.
Sail on, Jeff....fair winds and following seas.