Joseph F. Kelley, 81, died Thursday, January 13 at the New England Sinai Hospital in Stoughton after a period of failing health. He was the husband of Florence (Petraitis) Kelley. Born in Stoughton, he was raised and educated in Stoughton and a graduate of Stoughton Schools. He was a Proud Veteran of the US Army during the Korean War. Mr. Kelley was a Lieutenant on the Stoughton Fire Department for many years, retiring in 1972. Following his retirement, he worked as a custodian at Southeastern Regional Technical High School in Easton for over 10 years. He was a member of the International Association of Firefighters, Local 1512, Stoughton and the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and the VFW in Stoughton.
He is survived by his three sons; Daniel J. Kelley of Sandwich, Joseph F. Kelley and William J. Kelley both of Falmouth and his daughter Kathleen A. Buschenfeldt of Brockton. He was the brother of Barbara Rand of S. Yarmouth and the late William Kelley and Margaret Muller. He was the stepfather of Paula Borges, Patricia Evans and John Tamoshunas. He is also survived by many grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, January 18 at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave., Bourne at 11:15 AM. Visiting Hours omitted. Donations in his memory may be made to the Stoughton Firefighters House Fund, 30 Freeman St., Stoughton.