OBITUARY: Michael Joseph Kelley, 71

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Michael J. Kelley, “Mike”, age 71, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 3, 2024.

Mike was born on December 10, 1952, in Chelsea, MA; he was the cherished son of the late Charles and Therese R. (Greenlaw) Kelley. Mike was one of six boys who were raised in Wilmington and attended Wilmington High School.

Following high school, Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force on April 29, 1971. He proudly served his country for almost two years before being honorably discharged on February 1, 1973.

Mike was very patriotic and continued his support of the military by joining the Wilmington Minutemen. Mike served as the chaplain for many years and his dedication to the Minutemen earned him the captain position. Mike was very proud of his fellow Minutemen and attended many gatherings and functions to show his pride.

Mike served as a Commander in the American Legion and was a founding member of the Legion Riders. This group was formed to support Veterans; they organized many motorcycle rides for charity or to honor a veteran.

Mike served as a Pastor at the Universal Life Church in California. He genuinely cared about others and would go above and beyond to help his fellow parishioners.

Mike worked as a security guard at the Billerica Mall for many years before his retirement.

Ten years ago, Mike married Mary E. (Huse) Kelley; the couple lived in Wilmington where they made many wonderful memories with their family and friends.

Mike will be remembered as the life of the party; he went out of his way to make others smile, whether it was a silly song or dance, Mike just wanted everyone to have fun. He often put on puppet shows for the kids as “Cowboy Mike” and would dress up as “C. C. Clownsbee,” his version of a clown, just to entertain his family and friends. He will truly be missed by his family and friends.

Mike was the beloved husband of Mary E. (Huse) Kelley, loving father of Becca Rakebrandt of Rotonda West, FL and the late Angela Zink, dear brother of Robert Kelley & his wife Nancy of Sandown, NH, John Kelley & his wife Andrea of Grafton, NH, Timothy Kelley of Wilmington, the late Charles Kelley, and the late Daniel Kelley. Mike is also survived by many loving grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for Visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Friday, January 12th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 13th at 11:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will follow in the Veterans Section of Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mike’s name may be made to the Wilmington Minutemen, ​430 Salem St., Wilmington, MA 01887.