Leon E. Kelley, 85, of Franklin, formerly of Needham and Brockton, died peacefully at home on Friday, June 22, 2012. He was the devoted husband of Priscilla C. (DesRoches) Kelley.
Born January 22, 1927 in Hopkinton, the son of the late Leon E. and Agnes C. (McCarthy) Kelley, Leon was raised and educated in Hopkinton and Wellesley. He was part of the first graduating class of St. Sebastian High School, and he received a Bachelors of Arts Degree with honors from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. He served in the United States Navy during WWII.
Mr. Kelley was a third generation leader in the footwear industry. He was a former principal of the Manistee Shoe Company in Worcester and worked for the former Freeman Shoes. Most recently, Leon founded Advanced Comfort Solutions which delivers innovative manufacturing techniques to leading US footwear companies.
A deeply committed Catholic, Leon was a regular communicant at St. Jude Church in Norfolk, a lay associate of the Secular Franciscan Order, and an active volunteer for many years in prison ministry at Pondville Prison in Norfolk. He treasured time spent cooking for his family, reading, and woodworking.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by seven proud children: Suzanne M. Holland, Kathleen M. Kelley both of Needham, Jennifer K. Hodgkins of Franklin, Melissa M. Kelley of Medfield, Paula M. Kelley of Cold Spring, NY, Elaine M. Kelley of Dartmouth and Gregory J. Kelley of Atlanta, GA. Loving brother of George Kelley of FL and Marie Creedon of Milford and devoted brother of the late John X. Kelley M.M. Also surviving are twelve adoring grandchildren and one great grandchild, and five admiring sons-in-law.
Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend Leon’s funeral on Wednesday, June 27th, at 9AM from the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. Franklin, www.oterifuneralhome.com, with a funeral Mass at St. Jude Church, 86 Main St. Norfolk, MA at 10AM. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Needham.
Visiting hours are Tuesday June 26th, from 4-8PM.
Leon was devoted to the Maryknoll Missioners, and the family welcomes support of the Missions in his honor at www.maryknoll.org