Paul Louis Kelly of Canton, MA passed away peacefully on February 20th, age 73. In death as in life he was surrounded by love. Born in Boston, he was raised in Quincy and graduated from Quincy Vocational Technical High School. Paul was - always is - a proud United States Marine (Oorah!). He was also a combat veteran of Vietnam, 1969/70, where he was a door gunner on medical evacuation helicopters.
A hard worker, capable of anything and afraid of nothing, Paul helped manage his father’s business, The Patio Lounge, in Roxbury in the 70’s. He went on to own and operate Kelly’s Liquor Store in Hyde Park and O’Briens Wines and Liquors in Dorchester along with his brother, Billy, for decades. Paul could tell you some stories - and he would deliver each perfectly.
A man of many hobbies and labors of love, Paul identified most as an antique motorcycle enthusiast. Over the years he restored several vintage Harley Davidsons along with cherished collaborators. Family folklore holds that he made a bike for each of his four daughters, but the star was his 1936 Harley EL Knucklehead. Always a devoted father, he eventually sold his bikes to help pay for college for his girls. Classic. Never happier than when tinkering in the garage while the kids played in the driveway, or hugging a wide turn on a sunny day, motorcycles brought him so much joy.
Treasured father and ultimate supporter of Caitlin Kelly Schuyler (Christopher) of Brooklyn, NY; Jillian Kelly Wavering (Tony) of Asheville, NC; Megan Kelly Crouse (Rory) of Babylon, NY; and Bethany Kelly of Burlington, VT. Adoring grandfather of Theodore, Paul, Rowan and Fiadh. Beloved brother of William Kelly of Desert Palms, CA; Patricia Anderson of Middleboro; Richard Kelly of Braintree; Peggy Daniels of Hull; David Kelly of Pembroke, who also served beautifully as Paul’s home hospice nurse; and the late Joseph Kelly of Provincetown. Mischievous son of the late Joseph and Lena Kelly of Quincy. Fun-loving cousin to many, including Gerard Kelly of Norwood, who was also a dear friend and confidante. Thoughtful brother-in-law and kind, hilarious uncle to many more. Legendary friend to ‘the best friends a guy could ask for’. Loyal guardian to dogs Seuss and Broderick, and to ‘critters’ everywhere.
Paul is also survived by countless veterans who he volunteered to drive to and from appointments during his retirement years; by hitchhikers he picked up thumbing to their next destination; and by service industry workers to whom he left disproportionately large tips.
Visiting hours are at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home at 455 Washington Street, Canton, MA on Friday March 4th from 4pm to 7pm. There will be a burial and graveside service at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree on Saturday March 5th at 1pm.
In lieu of flowers, please do a random act of kindness –and make it over the top!