William J. Kelley, a lifelong resident of Melrose, died peacefully on May 30, 2024 at the age of 91. He was the son of the late William M. and Eileen (Meehan) Kelley. Bill was raised in Melrose and graduated from Malden Catholic High School and went on to receive his bachelor's degree in engineering from Northeastern University. He proudly served in the US Navy and retired as a Lieutenant Commander. He would go on to work for the Federal Aviation Administration as a civil engineer.

Bill was the beloved husband of 61 years to the late Mary Frances (Dolaher) Kelley. Devoted father of David Kelley & his wife Lee Ann of Hampton, NH, Richard Kelley & his fiancé Cheri of Dover, NH, Jane (Kelley) Korontjis of Melrose, William Kelley & his wife Lori of Glen Allen, VA, Thomas Kelley & his wife Jacqueline of Glen Allen, VA. Very proud grandfather of Colin Kelley & his wife Karla, Robert Kelly, Griffin Kelley & his wife Lanie, Quinn Kelley, Tyler Korontjis, B Kelley, Elizabeth Kelley, Megan Kelley, Spencer Kelley and Victoria Kelley. Great grandfather of Alexander and Ethan Kelley. Brother of Arlene Crowley and Donald Kelley.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 5th from 4:00 – 8:00pm at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. Funeral procession from the Gately Funeral Home on Thursday, June 6th at 9:00am followed by a Mass at St. Mary's Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose at 10:00am. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend.