Joseph Michael Kelley passed away at the VA Hospital in Bedford on February 10, 2017 at the age of 98. Joe was born in Southie on January 9, 1919 to the late John & Margaret (Connolly) Kelley. As a young child he overcame polio and never let his disease define him throughout his life. He was raised in South Boston, graduated from South Boston High School and entered the US Navy. Mr. Kelley served his country with pride during WWII, was the last one of his ship when it sank off the coast of Germany and was awarded several medals for bravery. He joined the Melrose Fire Department in 1948 and retired as a Captain in 1980. Joseph was an Irish Gentleman who never had a curse word for anyone and always put his family and his job first in his life. He moved to Melrose in 1946 after his discharge from the US Navy in Brooklyn, NY and built a home on Bay State Road in Melrose in 1951. On his off hours from the fire station Joseph worked at a welding company, delivering for a bakery company and worked delivering flowers for Casey Florist in Melrose. His catholic faith was paramount in his life and after his retirement he attended daily Mass for 30 years. He was a longtime member of Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield where he served as a senior acolyte at funeral Masses for many years. Mr. Kelley was the beloved husband of 63 years to the late Mary Margaret (Cronin) Kelley. Loving father of Kathleen St. Germain of Reading, Marilyn Burt of Whitefield, NH and Irene Kelley of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of Kerry Trippi & her husband Frank of Southborough, Jennifer Burt & Katherine Burt both of Worcester, Michael Burt of Nashua, NH & Matthew Burt of Whitefield, NH. Proud great grandfather of Leonardo Trippi & Hadley Burt. Caring brother of Sr. Marie John Kelley SCN of Nazareth, KY. Also survived by numerous nieces & nephews. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 from 5:00-7:00PM. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home on Thursday, February 16th at 9:00AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield at 10AM. Interment with military honors at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose will follow. WWII Navy Veteran. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Memorial contribution may be made in Joseph's name to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield, MA 01880 or to the Melrose Veteran's Fund, 562 Main St. Melrose, MA 02176.