WILMINGTON, MA — Former Wilmington Town Manager Michael Caira and former WCVB-TV reporter David Boeri, delivered the eulogies at Frank Kelley’s funeral at St. Dorothy’s yesterday morning.
Watch the eulogies below, courtesy of Wilmington Community Television:
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“I have no doubt Mr. Kelley is with us this morning. If for no other reason than because he never misses a reunion,” joked Caira.
“He was a friend, mentor, teacher and coach. He lit up a classroom. He energized a field house. And he captured the hearts of a grateful community,” said Caira.
According to Caira, Kelley was everyone’s coach — colleagues admired him, competitors respected him, and even the kids on the other side displayed a genuine affection towards him.
“He treated everyone as if they were his favorite,” recalled Caira. “His legacy is that he made us all feel special..”
“An exemplary life, well-lived. An extraordinary man, well-loved. Our Mr. Kelley,” concluded Caira.
“We are the clan of Kelley,” Boeri told the crowd. “We can all say: Mr. Kelley changed my life.”
Boeri relayed a powerful story of Mr. Kelley recruiting a high school student to join the Wilmington High School Girls JV Track team. The girl initially refused, citing a disability. Kelley was persistent, however, and the girl eventually agreed to join. What happened next (which I won’t spoil!) exemplifies the magical effect Mr. Kelley had on thousands and thousands of WHS students.
“Who can carry Mr. Kelley’s stick?,” asked Boeri, holding one of Kelley’s trademark walking sticks. “The answer is we can all carry the stick if we invest, like he did, in faith, hope and love, while helping others fulfill their potential.”
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