Dennis P. Kelly, a resident of Epping, New Hampshire and formerly of Melrose and Charlestown, entered into eternal life unexpectedly on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was 70 years of age.
Dennis was born in Everett on August 29, 1955, a son of the late Philip P. Kelly and Rosia M. "Rose" (Davis) Kelly. He grew up in Charlestown where he was educated at St. Mary's Parochial School and graduated from Pope John High School in Everett in 1973. Dennis furthered his education and received his Bachelors of Science Degree in accounting from Northeastern University. Dennis enlisted into the United States Marine Corps on July 24, 1973, and served his country with honor and pride during the Vietnam Era. He was honorably discharged on July 19, 1979, with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Dennis worked as a Senior Financial Analyst at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston for several years and later worked as a Senior Financial Analyst for Dagle Electrical Construction Corporation in Wilmington.
Dennis was a proud marine but his passion in life was basketball. He was a member of I.A.A.B.O. (International Association of Approved Basketball Officials) for 43 years. He was a MIAA Official for basketball state tournaments in Massachusetts for many years and was a Clinician-Evaluator in New England for basketball officials. He was an avid Boston Sports fan of all the Boston sports teams, enjoyed playing fantasy football each week and also enjoyed visiting the Las Vegas casinos. Above all else, Dennis was a family man who enjoyed his family immensely and loved the quality moments with his wife, children and especially his 2 grandchildren. He had a great sense of humor and was very gifted in knowing important dates and especially birthdates of anyone he was in contact with.
Dennis is the cherished husband of 40 years to Kathleen A. (Lynch) Kelly. He is the devoted father of Caitlin Matte and her husband Brenton, Timothy Kelly and the late Colleen M. Kelly. He is the loving Papa to Kellan and Brynn. He is the beloved brother of Kevin Kelly and his wife Ann Marie, Alice Houlihan and her husband James "Dinga", Maureen Dagle and her husband James and Patricia Kelly. He is the brother-in-law of Janet and John O'Hara, Patricia and Michael McDermott and Thomas Lynch. He is also survived by his many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Dennis's Funeral Mass on Tuesday morning, October 28, 2025, at 11 A.M. in St. Mary's Church, 46 Myrtle St. MELROSE. (PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO CHURCH). His burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. His visiting hours will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 4 P.M. to 7 P.M. in The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Dennis's name to The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots - Greater Boston, 1st Battalion 25th Marines, 53 Quebec St. Fort Devens, Mass. 01432