John Bryan Kelly passed away on Friday, November 14 at the age of 67. John was born on February 26, 1958, in Red Bank, New Jersey, to Emmett and Polly Kelly. He grew up in a subdivision affectionately known as Sunken City along with two brothers and a sister. He excelled at school, loved many games, and played catcher on a little league baseball team that won their way to the state quarterfinals. He and his brothers loved football, baseball, and basketball, and rooted wholeheartedly for the New York Giants. John graduated number one in his class at Middletown High School, and went to college at Yale University where he graduated with a degree in religion. He then got a masters in sociology from Brandeis University. In January of 1984 John had a sledding accident that left him a high quadriplegic for the rest of his life. In the coming years John became involved in disability rights issues in the Boston area where he lived. He was heavily involved in Not Dead Yet and Second Thoughts, organizations committed to disability access/opportunities and to resisting attempts at legalizing euthanasia, which John and many others saw as a threat to the lives of all disabled citizens. In 2012 the city of Boston and Mayor Thomas Menino declared July 26, 2012 John B. Kelly Day in the city of Boston, recognizing John for his ongoing efforts on behalf of the disabled community. John also happily celebrated the Super Bowl triumphs of the Giants, the three World Series titles of the San Francisco Giants, and the recent Boston Celtic championships. John loved his family, sports, music, fighting for disability rights, and had a wicked sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by family and friends alike. John was predeceased by his father and mother, and leaves behind his sister Louise and brothers Charlie (Amy) and Stewart (Jane), along with five nieces: Meaghan (Mike), Shannon, Mary Cabell (Michael), Anne, and Katie (Mark). Special thanks to Chip Guiney and Donald George for their dedication to John. Contributions in his honor can be made to Not Dead Yet or a charity of one’s choice.
A celebration of life will be held at Spaulding Rehab, 1st Ave., Charlestown, MA, 02129 on Saturday, January 17th from 2-5pm, (free parking for disabled at the Spaulding garage).