Bernard J. "Bernie" Kelly Jr., a resident of Burlington and formerly of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Monday, October 6, 2025 in his home. He was 68 years of age.
Bernie was born in Boston on November 4, 1956, a son of Rita (Keigney) Kelly and the late Bernard J. “Bernie” Kelly. Bernie is the childhood sweetheart and beloved husband of 43 years of Ann (Junta) Kelly. He is the loving father of Bernard J. Kelly III and his wife Katie, and James “Jim” Kelly. He is the dear Papa of Breena and Brendan Kelly. He is the beloved brother of Patricia Kelley and her husband Joe, Mary Byrnes and her husband Gerry, and Edward Kelly and his wife Christine. He is the brother-in-law of Barbara Tracy and her husband Artie, Mary Ellen Brown and her husband Rick, John Junta and his wife Sue, Agnes Johnson and her husband Bill, Michael Junta, Theresa Lawton, Paul Junta and his wife Sheila, Daniel Junta and his wife Caroline, Patrick Junta and his wife Caroline, and the late James "Jamie" Junta and Thomas Junta. He was predeceased by his nephews Joey Mikenas and Quinlan Barrett Junta, and is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and Aunt Betty Kelly.
Bernie loved spending time with his sons and grandchildren. They were his greatest joy. All through the years he took them on trips, and if it was a camping trip they were going to learn how to make the perfect campfire, whether they liked it or not. One of the perks of having good friends in the petroleum industry, Bernie was able to get some of the best seats at any sporting event, of course accompanied by many friends and family. Golfing was one of his many go to hobbies, along with traveling. He was always up for a good St. Patricks Day Parade in any state in the USA.
Bernie worked over 40 years in the petroleum industry. He retired in 2022 as Vice President of Supply Operations from Global Companies LLC. Bernie was very active in fund raising events sponsored by the petroleum industry, particularly the Massachusetts Appreciation Day annual event. This event was held down the Cape for over 25 years, of which Bernie was the MAIN EVENT. Attendees came from all over the country to hear Bernie as Master of Ceremonies. He brought an abundance of laughter and much fun with his presentations. No one was safe from being the subject of a good “Bernie Kelly roast.” Because of Bernie, these events raised over a quarter million dollars for various organizations, including the Hospice and Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts, from which Bernie was presented the Heart of Hospice Award.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bernie's funeral on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 10 A.M. from 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. His burial will be private. His visiting hours will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025 from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Shriners Hospital for Children
51 Blossom St.
Boston, MA 02114