Obituary of John "Jack" Joseph Kelley

John “Jack” Joseph Kelley, age 84 passed away on May 21, 2020 after a longstanding battle with Alzheimer’s disease and complications due to Covid-19. The son of Henry and Margaret Kelley, Jack was a lifelong resident of Lynn and grew up in West Lynn. He attended St. Mary’s High School and then went on to become a proud graduate of Boston College where he earned a degree in history. For years, Jack taught history and coached boys track at Lynn English High School. He relished advising and mentoring young students and athletes and throughout the years received letter and calls from various students whose lives he impacted. While working, Jack continued his education earning a master’s degree in psychology from Boston University. Jack became the Chief School Adjustment Counselor for the Lynn Public Schools –a job he continued and cherished for more than twenty-five years until his retirement in 1997. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Jack Kelley treasured the simple joys in life. He loved watching baseball (and possessed an encyclopedia-like knowledge of the game and its history) and BC football (especially when they beat Notre Dame). He loved a good book, a good movie and a good joke and he could tell one better than anyone. He was a shrewd card player - always ready and willing to sit for a game of cribbage or wist. Jack also loved his church and was a devoted parishioner to St. Mary’s in Lynn for 59 years. More than anything else, Jack loved his family - his happiest moments were spent with his beloved wife Anne and other loved ones at family dinners, vacations to the Cape and Maine or simply playing cards or games with his children or grandchildren. Jack is survived by and will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 59 years Annie Kelley, his son Henry F. Kelley and wife Maribeth, their children Michael and Elisabeth, his daughter Mary Kelley, his son John Kelley, his daughter Carolanne (Kelley) Hillis and her husband Jeff and their three children Grace Lily and Ben. Due to the Covid-19 crisis church and graveside services will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/MANH