John P. Kelley
July 21, 1949 ~ February 2, 2023
John Patrick “Jack” Kelley passed peacefully February 2, 2023 in Burlington.
“What though the odd be great or small, Old Notre Dame will win over all, While her loyal sons and daughters, March on to victory!” Jack loved the Fighting Irish, and this line from the Notre Dame Fight song embodies the life and spirit of Jack Patrick Kelley.
Born on the 21st of July in 1949 to the late John and Rosamond Kelley, Jack was stricken with Spastic Hemiplegia Cerebral Palsy which greatly limited the use of the left side of his body. This form of cerebral palsy was the odds that he faced on a daily basis and would have left many people with excuses to not live a life of fulfilment.
Jack Kelley marched onto to victory by being a living example of what a person with physical limitations could do with a strong work ethic, a passion to help others, and a love of family. He won bronze and gold medals in the Special Olympics in 1967, inducted into the Marblehead High School Hall of Fame in 2007.
Whenever Jack was presented with an opportunity to share his life’s triumphs over the challenges he faced, he would proudly and lovingly speak about his mother who worked tirelessly with him before the advent of occupational therapy that allowed Jack to go to school with, play sports with and live by his own words as “a normal everyday American child.”
He was a loyal son. He loved fiercely and cared deeply for those who came into his life. While this therapy was highly impactful for Jack in the physical sense, it’s more meaningful impact was the work ethic instilled. Though the odds be great or small, Jack proved that with enough effort and determination no odds were insurmountable. Jack’s career in education reflected this in his work with children with disabilities, and with those athletes that were not impaired.
Jack’s often stated goal was to get those without disabilities to view those challenged by them to understand that they had more in common that they realized. Jack lived a life that tried to make other people’s live better.
He leaves two nieces, Kerry and Deirdre, a nephew, Ted, and a host of loving extended family members and dear friends.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 10:30AM in Saint Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Annunciation Cemetery, Danvers. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory may be made to the Danvers People-to-People Food Pantry, PO Box 2076, Danvers, MA 01923. Arrangements are by C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. To share an expression of sympathy with Jack’s family, please visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.
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Jack was a very special man, we used to chat when we were at the middle school. Jack always cared for his “kids”, as he called them, always making them feel they were the best. A great man who gave so much, and never complaining about anything. I’m so happy to have known him. May he be a leader in Gods world in heaven.
Jack coached at Bishop Fenwick in the 1970’s. He was a wonderful man. I’m glad I can say I know him. Rest In Peace, Jack…Your the best
Mr Kelley was always a comforting sight. He cared about everyone. In my high school days he always made time for me. I always enjoyed our conversations. What a great man. The north shore will miss him.
Jack got me into coaching Special Olympics when I was in Junior High. He also brought me to Springfield College for the Sate Special Olympic Competitions. This is when in fell in love with coaching and ultimately enrolling in Springfield. We recently shared a wonderful visit and I will forever be grateful to Jack, his friendship, and his inspiration. Jack you made a difference my friend in so many lives. Rest well and know you will be missed.
I knew Jack but from Dunkin Donuts where we often chatted when I was back home in Danvers- mostly we spoke of his mother who was my second grade teacher- yeah that…. Rip Jack. You’ll be missed. Dana Albert
Jack was a loving and beautiful person. I met him at Salem State College. We stayed close friends for over fifty years. Over those years we spent many happy times. Jack radiated love, kindness, and contagious energy, He was loved by many and will be missed.
Denise Staropoli
Jack was my former gym teacher many years ago at DHS. He was a great teacher and mentor. I will miss him very much
Know you will be missed very much Mr Kelley.
Kristen Gagnon
I met Mr. Kelley when Maple St was still a school in Danvers. I wasn’t the best of kids, but he was my gym teacher and he was good to me. He was a decent man and I will remember him fondly.
I had his mom as a teacher at Tapley school in Danvers. She would bring Jack to class once a month or more. I always found Jack to be such an amazing person. He taught me tolerance with others and to embrace difference.
May he Rest in Peace.
Janet Brings, Marblehead
Jack Kelly will be missed by many of his friends , former athletes ,and students who knew him !
I first met Jack as a student at Salem State College and was impressed with his ability to overcome many challenges presented to him. Jack was definitely influential with my decision to offer a new course for our students in our SFL Dept. entitled “Physical Education For Students with Special Needs “. Several years after his graduation I asked he would visit my class to share some of his feelings and experiences adapting . Jack engaged with my class and put into perspective some situations they may encounter with helpful alternatives. He basically wanted them to know to focus on their abilities not disabilities !
May you rest in peace !
George Jacobson
Mr. Kelly was my neighbor when I was a little girl. Such a nice and loving man. He would always make sure to give me a big Hello when he saw me at Thorpe School. Always smiling. Rest in Peace.
Julie Armstrong Denton
Jack was my gym teacher when I was a junior and senior in high school he will be missed and loved by many
I remember Mr Kelley from Danvers High. He was an inspiration to all and an example of courage and tenacity in overcoming life obstacles. RIP
Jack Kelly was a Danvers legend…RIP big guy
Tom Kerans
DHS
1975
I have great memories of working with Jack at the Thorpe School . His expertise was adaptive physical education and he loved working with the students who needed a little extra motivation and skill development …and was good at it! In the fall Jack proudly wore his Fighting Irish jacket and hat and looked forward to going out to see a game at Notre Dame with friends. He coached football for years in Marblehead and went into their Hall of Fame..and could talk football for hours. I was as happy to be around Jack as his students were. Karen and I send our sympathy and prayers to Jack’s family and loved ones.
Jack Kelly was one of those people that come into your life for a season, but remain in your heart forever.
Jack was a football coach at Bishop Fenwick back in the 1970s. His enthusiasm was contagious. His love for Notre Dame was undeniable. He remembered me every time he saw me over the entire course of my life; and never failed to take the time to chat. Who does that kind of stuff? Jack Kelly did.
Jim Kieran
So sorry for your loss.
I met Jack at Smith School when he came in to service his students. I always enjoyed our chats. When Jack no longer had students at Smith school he would still come by to visit me. After his retirement he occasionally dropped by to chat. Jack was a kind and caring friend, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. My deepest sympathy to you and your families.
Janice Campilio
Dear Janice,
Thank you for your message and telling us this wonderful memory. We truly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Kerry Corcoran-Hoffmann and Family
Dear Jim,
Thank you for your message and telling us this wonderful memory. He sure loved coaching. We truly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Kerry Corcoran-Hoffmann and Family
Dear Bob and Karen,
Thank you for your message and telling us this wonderful memories. He loved working with the students. We truly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Kerry Corcoran-Hoffmann and Family
Dear Tom,
Thank you for your message. We truly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Kerry Corcoran-Hoffmann and Family
Dear Peter,
Thank you for your message. We truly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Kerry Corcoran-Hoffmann and Family
Dear Shawn,
Thank you for your message. We truly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Kerry Corcoran-Hoffmann and Family
I fondly remember Jack from our Danvers HS days. A real fighter who never complained. Renewed our friendship via DHS’71 reunions. RIP my classmate and thanks for your fortitude.
I knew Jack for 38 years while we both were teachers at Danvers High School. We spent a lot of great times together. He would visit my classroom and talk to the kids always after saying,” Mista White, howaya?” I lived in Gloucester and he in Manchester-by-the Sea. Typically after school on many days we would work out together in what is now Boston Fitness North on Prince St. in Danvers. After that we would go to the former Romie’s for dinner getting the twin lobster special for $11.99. I had many gatherings at my Gloucester winter rental on the Annisquam River, sometimes with more than 100 people in attendance. Jack was one of the 1st arrivals always bringing a new recipe that he cooked himself. He always showed me new football plays he had thought up. The 2 of us went to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans to see Notre Dame vs. Florida St. I introduced him to Cajun cooking at Mulate’s. He was not used to spicy food but ordered the Cajun Duck. After requesting 3 glasses of water the waitress brought him his own huge pitcher of ice water. We walked Bourbon Street together and I think he was astounded at some of the sights. We both knew we weren’t in Danvers anymore. Shortly before he passed, my wife and I took him to Century House in Danvers for dinner. It wasn’t Romie’s but close enough. Jack asked us to take a picture of him putting salt on his food (which he wasn’t supposed to have) and show it to his doctor (Dr. Paul Nemeskal, former DHS student who is also my doctor). Always the jokester. I never saw him be anything but positive despite his health limitations. That’s why he was always easy to be with and we were close friends for such a long time. Miss ya Mista Kelley. Share your football plays with your Dad. Love you……Mista White