John J. Kelly, 97, died Monday, May 5th after a brief illness. Born in New Brunswick, Canada, he was raised in Everett and had been a Melrose resident for 61 years. John was a general manager at NU Car Carriers over 30 yrs until he retired 1975 and he also retired again in 1992 from the Burlington Studio of Photography as general manager at the age of 90. He was an employee of the Boston Garden for 52 years, where he was elected to the Hall of Fame. John was the husband of the late Anna ( McAdam ) Kelly. Father of John J. Kelly Jr & his wife Mildred of Burlington, James Kelly & his wife Judy of Naples FL, Ann Morash & her husband Phil of GA and Richard Kelly & his wife Brenda of Lowell. Brother of Katherine Murphy of Boston and the late Frances, Mary, Helen, Hedi, Eileen, Eleanor, Norma, and Margaret. Also survived by 14 grandchildren and 15great grandchldren. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W Foster St., Melrose on Thurs May 8 at 8AM. Funeral Mass in St Mary's Church corner of Myrtle & Herbert Sts. Melrose at 9 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Wed 2 - 4 & 7 - 9 PM. Burial will be in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to L G H Team ( Lowell Gen'l Hospital )/Walk for Cancer, 295 Varnum Ave., Lowell 01854.