Gene Kelly Sr., was 90 years old, of Abington, died January 21, 2018 after a short illness.
Born in Charlestown, he was one of 6 children who grew up during the Great Depression. His kind and caring demeanor was formed in part by a loving mother whom he held close to his heart throughout his life.
Gene was a graduate of Charlestown High where he was a gifted football player. Along with his brother James and sister Muriel, he proudly served in the U. S. Navy during the Second World War.
After the war, Gene met Anna (Nancy) Murphy when he stood in as her date to the senior prom. They married in 1949 and were devoted to each other for 65 years, until Nancy’s death in 2013. With hard work and determination, they realized the American Dream of owning a home and raising their family in the suburbs.
Mr. Kelly retired from the Boston Fire Department in the Fire Alarm Division after which he had a successful career in FEMA where he helped supervise the recovery after the Love Canal disaster in New York.
He was intellectually curious with interests in American history, classic film, family history, travel, stamp collecting, wood working and physical activity including running and swimming. He and Nancy hosted many events at his Abington home, and there was never a summer cookout without the ring of horseshoes from the back yard- a pastime he particularly loved. His greatest interest was in the love and welfare of his family. He treasured his children and adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His loving and attentive manner throughout his life profoundly influenced us all.
Gene’s immediate survivors include his five children; Eugene Kelly of Abington, Kalina Kathleen Vendetti of Kingston, Annmarie Graham of Brockton, Lisa Matthews of Abington, and Nancy Kalombratsos of East Bridgewater; nine grandchildren: Angelica Vendetti of Middleboro, Sarah Vendetti of Plymouth, Lauren Kelly of Norwell, Patrick Kelly of Los Angeles, Ian Koch of Weymouth, Nathan Koch of Woburn, Emily, Michael, and Kelly Matthews of Abington; and seven great-grandchildren; Benjamin, Ina and Henry Dombrowski, Thomas Heywood, Ruby and Nathan Hale Koch and William Kelly.
Gene’s family sincerely thanks the dedicated staff at Life Care Center of West Bridgewater.
His funeral services will be held on Saturday January 27th at 8:15AM from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth St. (Rte. 58 at the rotary circle) Whitman, followed by a funeral mass at 9:00AM in the St Bridget Church, Abington. Burial will be at a later date. Visiting hours will be held on Friday January 26th from 5:00-8:00PM.