Eugene Francis Kelly Jr. 72, of Abington, MA passed away on February 15, 2025 after a brief battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
Born in Charlestown, MA in 1952, Gene was the first-born child of Eugene and Nancy “Ann” (Murphy) Kelly. Gene graduated from Abington High School in 1970, Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1975 with a BS in Marine Transport and UMass Boston in 1998 with a MS in Education.
Gene leaves behind Deborah Collins, his beloved wife of 25 years, his daughter Lauren Kelly of Norwell, his son Patrick Kelly of Norwell and his wife Samantha Kelly and grandson William, 7, and granddaughter Sarah, 4. His stepchildren Kathryn Collins of Abington, Thomas Collins III of Worcester, and (the late) Jonathan Collins of Bridgewater. He is survived by his granddaughters Makayla Beane, 18 and Erin Beane, 16 of Bridgewater. He also is survived by his four sisters: Kalina and her husband Tom Vendetti, Ann Kelly, Lisa and her husband Robert Matthews, Nancy and her husband Tom Kalombratsos of Bethlehem NH. Seven nieces and nephews; Angelica Vendetti of Kingston, Sarah Heywood and her husband Jason, Ian and Alicia Koch, Nathan and Laura Kock, Emily Matthews, Michael Matthews, and Kelly Matthews. Six grand nieces and nephews; Benjamin, Ina and Henry Dombroski, Thomas Heywood, Ruby, and Nathan Hale Koch.
Gene spent 14 years on the sea as a third mate, first mate and captain, traveling around the world. He was one of three survivors in the sinking of the ship “the US Marine Electric” on February 12, 1983. As a result of his survival and testimony before Congress’ the Maritime industry made historic changes to the rules governing the safety of ocean-going ships. His story of survival can be found in the novel “Until the Sea Shall Free Them” by Robert Frump. Gene gave motivational speeches at many venues talking about the power of the choices we make in life. The last such speech was at Massachusetts Maritime Academy as a guest speaker for the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center SS Marine Electric - A Survivor's Story and Lessons Learned.Watch Here
In 1989, Gene joined South Shore Vocational Technical High School as a Marine Technology Instructor and then joined the School Administration as Assistant Principal. Gene was well loved by staff and students alike. He retired from SSVT in 2012. He then went on to continue working in education as a vocational aide at Upper Cape Tech where he assisted students in the Automotive, Horticulture, Auto Body and Marine Tech programs.
Gene loved the water. He made sure to share his love with as many people as he could. He even had a boat chartering business. He was an avid fisherman and his adventures brought him to the waters of Stelwagon Bank, Boston Harbor, the Cannons, and many spots off the coast of New England. His last boat, the “Irish Ayes” (a nod to his granddaughters) was his pride and joy. For many years he and the “Irish Ayes” were members of the Wessagusset Yacht Club in Weymouth.
After retirement, Gene and his wife Deborah followed their dreams of traveling and bought an RV. Together they traveled from Maine, down the eastern coast, zigzagged through Florida, and went along the Gulf of Mexico to the Rio Grande. They went camping in places from horse farms to plantations, to museums and other “off the beaten paths” places along the way. Visiting places like Savannah, New Orleans, and San Antonio. They went camping on the beaches of Texas and actually stayed on Confederate President Jefferson Davis’ homestead in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Gene was a survivor! He survived a shipwreck, a double heart bypass, and multiple amputations until finally succumbing to Pancreatic Cancer.
Friends and family are invited to say goodbye to this remarkable man on Sunday February 23 from 2:00-5:00 PM with a 5:00 funeral service at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. A celebration of life will be held in the summer at the Wessagussett Yacht Club in Weymouth TBA.