Obituary of George F. Kelly

George F. Kelly, 86, of Peabody, loving husband of the late Joan E. “Dolly” (Wingard) Kelly with whom he had celebrated 54 years of marriage, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House with his family by his side. George was born in Boston, on July 12, 1930, son of George and Anna (Mahoney) Kelly. Raised in Winthrop he graduated from Winthrop High School, and has been a resident of Peabody since 1961. In 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the 1861st Co L, 172nd Inf. Rgt. and was honorably discharged in 1955. Following his discharge, he became a truck driver working first for Mills Transfer of Boston, then for St. Johnsbury Trucking of Wilmington. He was quite proud of his perfect driving record! In his younger years, George was also employed as a chef at ViCliff’s in Middleton. He enjoyed cooking throughout his life. The neighborhood children will remember him playing Santa Claus, a tradition which continued with his 4 grandchildren until they were in their teens. As a parent, George was involved with his 3 daughters in their many recreational and educational opportunities, and was so proud of his cherished grandchildren. George is survived by three daughters and their spouses, Donna and Stephen Kline, Patricia and Laurence Robertie, and Joan and Daniel White all of Peabody, four grandchildren, Kelly Robertie, Richard Robertie, Daniel White and his wife Jessica, and Christopher White; a sister, Marilyn Kelly, and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his sister Marie Kelly. His family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, July 11th from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at 82 Lynn St., Peabody. His funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. from the funeral home followed by his Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m. at the Messiah Lutheran Church at 708 Lowell St. (corner of Lowell and Chestnut Sts.) Lynnfield. The family requested that donations be made in George’s memory to the Messiah Lutheran Church, 708 Lowell St., Lynnfield, MA 01940. Burial will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.