Richard J. Kelley

NORTH KINGSTON, RI – Richard J. Kelley, 87, of North Kingston, RI, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the Friendly Home in Woonsocket, RI. He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy L. (Lemay) Kelley. He is survived by three children, Margaret R. Bouvier and her husband Michael of Leicester, Richard F. Kelley of Chicopee, and Brian J. Kelley of Southbridge; four stepchildren, Judith A. Lavoie of North Kingstown, RI, Daniel E. Lavoie of Griswold, CT, Ronald R. Lavoie of North Kingstown, RI, and Janet R. Clarke of Maine; his former wife, Dolores A. (Bovenzi) Withers of Worcester; 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 8 step grandchildren, 29 step great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

He was born in Goffstown, NH, son of the late James J. and Doris (Lawson) Kelley. He attended Commerce High School in Worcester, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Mr. Kelley was a maintenance supervisor for many years at Essex Village in North Kingstown, RI, prior to retirement. Previously, he worked as a maintenance supervisor at St. Roch’s Church and as a baker for Table Talk Pies. He was a member of the American Legion Post 58 in Oxford. Mr. Kelley was an avid stamp collector, artist, and cyclist. He participated in the Senior Olympics from ages 67-79 and received medals in cycling and axe-throwing.

We would like to thank the Friendly Home in Woonsocket, RI, and Continuum Care of Rhode Island, who genuinely cared for our dad. We are forever grateful to you all.

Memorial calling hours are Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at the conclusion of calling hours. Burial will be held privately at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in West Greenwich, RI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.