Retired Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant Colonel Edward F. "Ed" Kelly, a proud Townie and lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Monday, February 14, 2022 at the Chelsea Soldier's Home. He was 94 years old.
Ed was born in Somerville, by no choice of his own, on June 4, 1927, a son of the late Daniel W. Kelly and Agnes V. (Murphy) Kelly. He grew up in Charlestown, where he attended St. Mary's Parochial School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1945. Ed answered his country's call to serve and enlisted into the United States Navy on June 26, 1945. He proudly and honorably served during World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. He was honorably discharged on July 21, 1946 with the rank of Seaman First Class. Ed joined the Massachusetts State Police in 1949 and was a member of the 35th RTT. He rose through the ranks at various Troops throughout the state and became the Commandant of the Massachusetts State Police Academy in Framingham. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel while serving at Headquarters. Following his retirement from the State Police, Ed became the Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for several years. He proudly served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts a combined total of 48 years of dedicated service. Ed enjoyed traveling throughout the world with his beloved wife Edna. He was a member and Past Commander of Charlestown American Legion Post # 26, Bunker Hill Council #62 Knights of Columbus, the Old Charlestown Schoolboys Association, and a Charter Member of the Bunker Hill Associates. Ed was very proud to be a lifelong Townie and dedicated much of his time to serving his community through the various organizations he was a member of.
Ed is the devoted husband of the late Edna M. (Holbert) Kelly. He is the loving father of the late baby Francis Kelly. He is the beloved brother of retired Boston Police Officer Vincent Kelly, and the late William Kelly, Kevin Kelly, and Daniel Kelly. He is the loving uncle of Kathy Novaco, Boston Police Officer Stephen Kelly, Edward F. Kelly, and many other loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Ed's visiting hours on Friday morning, February 18, 2022 from 9 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. in The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass at 11 A.M. in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren St. Charlestown(MASKS ARE REQUIRED INSIDE OF CHURCH). His burial will be at Milton Cemetery, Milton.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Ed's name to the Charlestown Boys and Girls Club, 15 Green St. Charlestown, MA 02129