Posted on January 8, 2016January 8, 2016
by Robert Hayes

Social Media Pays Tribute To Mr. Kelley

WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington High School teaching and coaching legend Frank Kelley passed away yesterday at the age of 87.

According to Kathleen Bell, a friend and former WHS colleague of Kelley, Mr. Kelley passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was found by Wilmington Police and Fire after a “Meals on Wheels” volunteer was concerned that he wasn’t answering the door.

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.

Below is reaction from Twitter after yesterday’s tragic news broke:

Today we run for Mr. Kelley, long time cross XC & track coach of WHS. Thank you for all of your hard work and support. You will be missed.

— Wilmington XC&Track (@WHS_xc_track) January 8, 2016

Longtime Legend Coach Frank Kelley Wilmington HS passed away today, over 60 yrs coaching #RIP #Legend

— MSTCA (@MSTCA1) January 8, 2016

Sad day for Wilmington. We will miss you, Mr. Kelley.

— Linda Peters (@whspeters) January 9, 2016

Rest in peace Mr. Kelley! You are loved by all💜 pic.twitter.com/ZXwJ6itRua

— Joanne Benton (@JoanneWilmingto) January 8, 2016

Rest in peace Mr. Kelley. You made a difference.

— WHSBandPride (@WHSBandPride) January 8, 2016

Rest in peace Mr. Kelley thank you for everything you've done! 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/ejiNvQ68lD

— Conor Bailey (@runbaileyrun_) January 8, 2016

Rest in peace, Mr. Kelley. I'm honored I was able to know you these past four years. I will remember you always 💙 pic.twitter.com/WsLTw7Wwx6

— Elisabeth Olson (@_Elisabethh_) January 8, 2016

A wonderful man passed away today and I couldn't be more heartbroken. Thank you Mr. Kelley for all you've done for me and the rest of WHS 💙🐾

— Charlotte Sülick (@CharlotteSulick) January 8, 2016

Mr. Kelly was a legend in the town of Wilmington. He will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on!!! pic.twitter.com/ncpoRZW5Yo

— Maureen Lynch (@mslynchie) January 9, 2016

Rest in piece Mr. Kelley, once a legend always a legend 👟🏆📚 https://t.co/vIXoupPn4E

— Savannah (@SavHubbard) January 8, 2016

Let's go Wildcats! We'll never be the same! The fact that the students at WHS now know Mr Kelley like we did is a true testament to him!

— Deb Marchese (@MarcheseDeb) January 9, 2016

Half of shake and bake died! RIP Mr.Kelley one of my favorite teachers

— Scot MacKenzie (@mackenzieforms) January 9, 2016

The name speaks for itself, Mr. Kelley. A man known for his amazing contributions to the track… https://t.co/CvpB87WOdX

— Kate Cowden (@kaitlyncowden32) January 9, 2016

R.i.p. Mr. Kelley. A great guy that did great things for this town.

— Blaine O'Leary (@OLearyBlaine) January 9, 2016

So sorry to hear of the loss to the Wilmington community. I always appreciated seeing Mr. Kelly at spring meets. https://t.co/1GWZm2Nz0W

— Mrs. MacKay (@BHSMacKay) January 9, 2016

They didn't come any nicer than Frank Kelley. Adored in the track community. https://t.co/hzjsxHFGdl

— Michael Muldoon (@MullyET) January 8, 2016

Frank Kelley impacted so many generations in Wilmington. He was always someone you were happy to see and he'll be missed by so many.

— WCTV (@Wilmington_TV) January 9, 2016

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Kelley. He will be greatly missed.

— wilmingtonrfl (@wilmingtonRFL) January 8, 2016

A very sad day in Wilmington as Mr. Kelley has passed. From Mrs. Bell: I am sorry to report that our Mr Kelley passed away in his sleep …

— Jamie Pote (@JamiePote) January 8, 2016

Town Crier's Larz Neilson has reported that beloved legendary WHS teacher & coach Frank Kelley passed today. #WilmingtonMA

— Wilmington News (@Newsin01887) January 8, 2016

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