Obituary of Eugene J. Kelly

Eugene “Gene” Kelly Sr., 81, a life-long resident of Greenwich, died Tuesday, June 2, 2010, peacefully at home. Born August 15, 1928 in Greenwich, he was the son of the late John and Florence Dumas Kelly. Mr. Kelly worked for many years at the Hollingsworth & Vose paper mill in Clarks Mills, from which he retired. He was a member of the AFL-CIO, United Paperworkers International Union, for which he served as a union official for many years. Previously, he owned and operated a Shell service station for many years in Greenwich. Mr. Kelly greatly enjoyed the company of friends and family. He was an ardent fan of the Red Sox, and he enjoyed many games at Fenway Park with family. He particularly enjoyed the many times he vacationed with family, and the countless times he was able to watch his grandsons play organized sports. He took great pride in his family and cherished each of them to the end. He enjoyed travel, particularly vacations at various ocean beaches. Despite declining health in his latter years, he continued to visit the ocean on family vacations. Those vacations produced many memorable experiences for he and his family. He also had a keen interest in horse racing, a pursuit that gave him immeasurable enjoyment throughout life. Despite being afflicted with Polio at a young age, he overcame many daunting obstacles and taught all with whom he came in contact the importance of perseverance and dedication. He showed throughout his life that life’s barriers need not limit one’s achievements. His strong work ethic inspired and lifted those around him. Survivors include 4 sons, Eugene J. (Julia) Kelly, Jr. of Averill Park, Douglas M. Kelly of Greenwich, Jeffrey A. Kelly of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Steven P. Kelly of Greenwich; 3 grandchildren, Tamika Whitney of Abilene, Texas, Brendan and Kevin Kelly of Averill Park; 5 sisters, Marie Salley, Catherine Bain, Betty Warner, Lois Adamson and Joan Weir, 3 brothers, James, Richard and William Kelly. A funeral mass will precede burial at 10 a.m. Monday, June 7, 2010 at St. Joseph’s church in Greenwich with Rev. Martin Fisher, officiating. Friends may call on Sunday from 4-6 p.m. at Flynn Bros., Inc. Funeral Home, 80 Main Street, Greenwich, NY. Memorials can be made to the St. Joseph’s Church Restoration Fund, 36 Bleeker St., Greenwich, NY 12834.