William "Bill" Joseph Kelley

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William “Bill” Joseph Kelley, 88, of Pepperell, MA passed away quietly in his sleep on the morning of December 1, 2020.

Bill was born and raised in Dorchester, MA son of the late William and Gertrude Kelley and moved to Groton, MA with his mother when he reached high school age. He was an athlete and graduate of the Groton High School Class of 1951 and spent two years serving his country in the US Army before returning back to Groton and marrying a fellow high school graduate, Marilyn Jane (White), also of Groton. Bill and his wife raised four children and lived in both Groton and Pepperell for the remainder of their lives. Marilyn predeceased Bill in 2016.

Bill spent most of his working years employed by the Raytheon Company in Waltham, MA and was known to be a hardworking, caring and fun-loving Production Manager before retiring in 1992. Bill found great joy in playing golf as much as he possibly could – first at the Groton Country Club and then at Nabnasset Lake Country Club in Westford. He kept swinging right up until the Summer of 2019. He was also an avid Keno player and could be found 2-3 times a day at the 7-Eleven in Pepperell playing his “magic” numbers. He was a kind and generous man who loved his family and friends; and kept everyone laughing with his one-liners and “slightly altered” words to describe things.

Bill is survived by his sister Lois Kennedy of Florida, his daughter Patricia and son Bill from Maine; his son Charles (and wife Kim) from Texas and his son Michael (and wife Kathea) from Pepperell. Bill also leaves behind a number of grandchildren (Shannon Wellington, David Kelley, Daniel Kelley, Elizabeth Kelley, Caleb Kelley and Amanda Kelley) and great-grandchildren (Brendon Wellington, Sage Xavier, Chloe Xavier, and Logan Xavier). Bill is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marcia White of Pepperell.

KELLEY – William Joseph, “Bill” of Pepperell, formerly of Groton. December 1, 2020. The family will hold a private graveside memorial for Bill in the Summer of 2021 and thanks all friends and family for being part of his life.  In lieu of flowers, the kindly family requests that you have a drink with your best friend, play a round of golf, play Keno at 7-11, and love your family well. Please see www.mcgaffiganfuneral.com for online memorial.