WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington High School teaching and coaching legend Frank Kelley celebrated his 87th birthday this Wednesday, August 19, with a birthday luncheon at Rocco’s. The room will filled with old friends — former students and colleagues alike.
Kelley taught math for 35 years (1957-1994) at WHS, where he also served as a Hall of Fame track coach. Whether in the classroom or on the track, Mr. Kelley was known for holding his students to high standards, while displaying trademark sense of humor and unique form of encouragement.
Kelley remains highly respected and beloved within the Wilmington community, evident by Wednesday’s party and the front page coverage it received in this week’s Wilmington Town Crier. I mean, how many Wilmington residents can say they have a Facebook group dedicated to them (“Readers of ‘Our Mr. Kelley’) or a book written about them (‘Our Mr. Kelley: A Lifetime of Coaching and Caring’)?
Below are three photos taken by Mr. Kelley’s birthday party by Jean Chang. They’re shared with permission. Many more photos taken by Jean and others can be found HERE.
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Happy Birthday, Mr. Kelly! I still use your “my way” quotes when I teach my own students!