Michael Eugene Kelley Sr., 63, has been reassigned as Fire Chief to a new Fire Station to be named as of January 30, 2015. Husband of Gail Ellen (Burton) Kelley of Preston passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in Kittery, ME on February 3, 1951 to the late Alice E. (Gaudreault) Kelley and Bertram " Bert" E. Kelley, who survives him.
Michael dedicated his professional life to fire services for over 40 years. He began his career as a volunteer in the Oakdale Fire Company, where he later became the youngest Fire Chief in Connecticut and life member. He held several positions at Electric Boat Fire Services and the U.S. Naval Submarine Base, where he progressed to Chief of Fire Prevention. Later he became Fire Marshal for the Towns of Montville and Preston. Michael also became a life member of the Poquetanuck Fire Department. He advanced to become Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal (Retired) and also retired as Engineering Safety Manager for Foxwoods Resort Casino. Michael was also a long standing member of the New London County Fire Marshals Association and New London County Fire Chiefs Association.
Outside of work, Michael enjoyed spending his free time with his family, friends and dogs in his garage working on cars. He could be found watching NASCAR, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Food Network. At his annual pig roast the microphone was a magnet for Michael to "Do it my way." When his children were young Michael dedicated countless hours coaching his sons' athletic teams. He was a sweet, kind-hearted man who loved his family and friends.
Surviving him are his former wife and lifelong friend, Michelle Kelley Cavarnos, mother of Michael Eugene II, wife Dawn and James Arthur, wife Jennifer both of Niantic; and current wife Gail and stepson Paul Rodman, wife Aubrey of South Kingstown, RI; siblings Karol Bragdon of Uncasville and Martha Emery of Anson, ME. He also has 8 grandchildren.
The family will greet relatives and friends at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Saturday, February 7, from 9:00am to 1:00pm followed by a reception at the Preston VFW Post 9452, 28 Spicer Road, Preston CT 06365
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his memory may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Center in Waterford CT, and Oakdale or Poquetanuck Fire Departments.
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