Richard G. Kelley

Richard "Dick" G. Kelley, 81, formerly of Wakefield, MA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 22, in Concord, New Hampshire, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 27, 1944, in Boston, MA. Richard was the son of the late Gordon and Ruth Kelley, formerly of Greenwood, later residing in Stoneham, MA.

Best known by everyone as Coach, Kelley's career highlights include teaching Physical Education at Wakefield Public Schools for over 40 years, serving as Assistant Coach/JV coach of the Wakefield boys' basketball team, and as Head Coach of the Varsity boys' soccer team from 1967 to 2007.

Dick's legacy will live on forever. His guidance taught us to manage life's trials with strength and grace, while always providing a steady hand and a moral compass that will shape us all for years to come. The footprint that he left in his community will not be measured in miles, but in the countless lives that he touched through his acts of kindness. His lessons on handling life's curveballs with integrity, discipline, and pride will remain in the hearts of those in whom his influence made a life-long difference.

Dick accepted the way he decided to handle his illness. He faced a long illness with a joke and a smile, reminding us daily that humor can outlast any diagnosis.

He carried out all his wishes, spending the summer at his 'happy' place, his home in Island Falls, Maine, surrounded by family, friends, his dog Jessi, and his set of golf clubs. In his final days, he was surrounded by his family and grandchildren, and he declared that he was at peace with his life and the path he had chosen.

Above all, Dick was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Lois (Bugden) Kelley; son Matthew Kelley and partner, Ida Robinson; son David Kelley and his wife Kerri; and daughter Jennifer Kelley and fiancé Kenneth Christainsen. Dick is also survived by his grandchildren, Matthew, Michael, Sarah, Kara, Nicholas, and Daniela, and his former daughter-in-law, Rachel Kelley.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield, MA, on Sunday, March 1, from 11-3 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held after the visitation at Kitty's Restaurant in North Reading, MA at 5PM. There will be an opportunity for attendees to speak. There will also be an event this summer in Island Falls for our friends up north who cannot be with us.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Coach Richard Kelley Scholarship Fund through the Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield, PO Box 321, Wakefield, MA 01880, or online at https://tsfofwakefield.org/scholarships/scholarship-funds/