Francis P. Kelley, Jr., “Frank” “Uncle Franny” “Mr. Wilmington”, age 87, of Wilmington, died peacefully at home on January 8, 2016.
Frank was a graduate of St. Charles High School in Waltham, Boston College with the Class of 1951, he taught at Thornton Academy in Saco, Maine before taking a teaching position at Wilmington High School from 1957-1994. Frank was a well-respected and renowned Track Coach at Wilmington High School for many years. Frank was an educator, mentor, confidant, and a true friend to everyone.
Frank was the cherished son of the late Francis P. Sr. and Katherine M. (McCabe) Kelley, dear brother of Jacqueline Carleton and her husband John of Sandwich. Loving “Uncle Franny” of Paula and Richard Kendall of Sandwich, John Jr. and Beth Carleton of Woodbridge, VA, Michael and Debra Carleton of East Taunton, Barbara and Greg Magnussen of Abington, and James and Deborah Carleton of Hingham. Frank is also survived by many great nieces, great nephews, cousins, colleagues, students, athletes, and dear friends.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at St. Dorothy’s Church, 120 Main Street (Rte. 38), Wilmington, on Thursday, January 14th from 2:00-8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Dorothy’s Church on Friday, January 15th at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s name may be made to the Frank Kelley Family Scholarship Fund, c/o Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA 01887.
(NOTE: The above obituary and photo are from Nichols Funeral Home.)
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Mr. Kelly, as we younger people referred to him as, was a wonderful math teacher also. I knew him and respected him for his ability to reach beyond the mind and our limitations providing a way to figure it out. I remember him because Frank wasn’t so much interested in being emphatic, but in making inroads to us as children giving us hope. Mr. Kelly was kind, and a funny person with understanding and was a good friend.