John J. Kelley passed away at his home in Melrose on January 29, 2016. He was 81 years of age. John was born in Malden to the late John & Esther (Jordan) Kelley and was raised in Malden. Graduated from Malden high school class of 1952 where he met his high school sweetheart who became the love of his life for over 60 years. After graduating from Boston University he served his country with pride in the US Army during the Korean War from 1954-1956. Mr. Kelley worked in hospital administration for many years at the Malden Hospital, Choate Hospital in Woburn and in Boston. John also worked as the assistant director of the Melrose Housing Authority for over 10 years. He has been a resident of Melrose since 1964, was a longtime member of St. Mary's Church, coached little league in Melrose and was a member of the Melrose YMCA for many years. John loved sports, enjoyed going to high school games, but most of all he loved going to all his sons and grandsons games. Mr. Kelley enjoyed boating, the ocean, going on whale watches and liked to do puzzles. John also loved spending time with his family. Mr. Kelley was the beloved husband of 59 years to Patricia (Shinay) Kelley. Loving father of the late Scott Kelley & surviving sons Kris Kelley & his wife Tammy of SC, Gregg Kelley & his wife Laura of San Francisco, Rand Kelley of Melrose: Glen Kelley of Boston. Devoted grandfather of Andrew, Shane, Gregg Jr., Jake & Ryan Kelley. Caring brother of Frank Kelley & his wife Nina of Everett and the late Mary Cannon & her husband Richard of NC. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose, on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 10:00 am, followed by a burial at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in John's name to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) 422 8th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003 or www.namidc.org.