Raymond D. Kelley Obituary in Warren at WJSmith Funeral Home

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Raymond D. Kelley

12/04/1941 - 07/22/2023

Obituary For Raymond D. Kelley

Raymond D. Kelley, 81, of Fall River, MA passed away after a short illness on Saturday, July 22, 2023 in St. Anne's Hospital. A son of the late Raymond D. and Mary E. (Manchester) Kelley, widower to the late Mary S. (Duffy) Kelley and the husband of Jeanne L. (Lawson) Kelley, Ray was a long-time resident of Warren before moving to New Bedford, MA in 2006 where he lived until moving to Fall River last year. He was a long time parishioner of St. Mary of the Bay Church.

Raymond graduated from Warwick Veterans Memorial High School as class president before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve in 1963 and served for six years. From here, he married his first wife, Mary, who sadly passed in 1999, and would go on to earn his Associates Degree in Accounting from Roger Williams University. He was formerly employed for 33 years by McBee Systems as a district manager. Ray was extremely active at St. Philomena School in Portsmouth, RI and even earned the Anchor Award. He served as president of the Parent's Club, was the founder of the Gala Auction and Chairman of the Board. He sat on many different committees including Finance and Buildings & Grounds. Raymond was a member of and sat on the Board of Directors for the Buzzards Bay Rowing Club. He was a member of the New Bedford Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and also the Schooner Cove Condominium Board.

In addition to his loving wife, Jeanne, Ray is survived by his son, Raymond J. Kelley and his wife Sara of Providence, RI; his daughter, Kimberly B. Mello and her husband Kevin of Dartmouth, MA; Jeanne's children, her son, Justin H. Staats of Newport, RI and her daughter, Dana M. Staats and her husband Robert Baker of Bristol, RI; his eight grandchildren, Robert, Bradley, Mary Katherine, Brooke, Elisabeth, Jonathan, Oren and Juniper; one great grandchild, Owen, and another on the way. He was the brother of the late Walter Kelley. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the wonderful, caring St. Anne's staff.

Services are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd. Warren, RI, where the family will receive relatives and guests for Visitation on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 4-7PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday in St. Mary of the Bay Church, 645 Main St. Warren, RI at 10AM. Burial will follow at St. Mary of the Bay Cemetery, Vernon St. Warren, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's honor can be made to St. Philomena School, 324 Cory's Ln. Portsmouth, RI 02871. For directions or tributes, please visit www.wjsmithfh.com.

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Condolences

08/07/2023

Hilding Munson

Ray was a great upper class student, and a football player. In 58' Warwick Vets shared top honors with Mount Pleasant. Rest in peace my friend. Hilding
07/26/2023

Karen Millard

What a tremendous loss of an amazing, kind, vibrant man. I will cherish the memories I had of him, whether it was on our family vacations together, celebrating milestones or just the visits to my parents home. May he rest in Eternal Peace, my deepest sympathy
07/26/2023

Frieda Claes

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Ray. My sincere condolences to you, Jeanne. Frieda Claes
07/26/2023

Candy and John Gilmartin

We will always remember Ray as a kind, warm and loving soul. His sense of humor was a joy to all around him. We offer our deepest condolences to you Jeanne and the whole family. May God bless and comfort you . Love Candy and John
07/25/2023

Bob Motta

Ray, your passing is a tremendous loss for all who have crossed your path. Jean and I have never forgotten your kindness, your friendship or your help so many years ago. May you rest in peace. Sincere sympathy to Ray Jr and Ray's family
07/25/2023

Claire & Bill Whelihan

We were so very We are so very sorry to read of Ray's passing, Jeanne. We remember fun times together when he lived in Warren. He loved to help us with car buying - going a few times with Bill to negotiate with the dealers. Just a great guy, taken much too soon. We're so sad for his family who have lost a wonderful father and grandfather. Our condolences to you, Jeanne, as well.
07/25/2023

Nicole Sheusi

My sympathies to you and your family. I have many fond memories of Ray from St. Phils to MB. All our Love, Nicole and Mike Church
07/24/2023

Sara Kelley

With love, Brooke and Elisabeth
07/24/2023

David Vale

So sorry to hear about Ray's passing. He was a great guy and a good friend since High School. He will be missed. Rest in peace Ray!!
07/24/2023

Jen Wells

I grew up in a house across the street from Ray. He was a fantastic neighbour, social, supportive, and always had a cup of sugar or an egg. He was a great friend to my parents, and I have so many memories of him laughing and smiling. Just seeing his photo brings a smile to my face. Ray was a tremendous person and will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family.
07/24/2023

Mary Lou Spinelli

I was shocked to hear oF Ray's passing.He was the kindest , most thoughtful man I ever met.I am sure he is already making sure that everyone in heaven is content and taken care of. God made sure that Ray met Jeanne and together they were wonderful to me. God please take care of your new SPECIAL ANGEL. I will miss him dearly. Mary Lou Spinelli
07/24/2023

Mary Lou Spinelli
07/24/2023

Mary Lou Spinelli
07/24/2023

Arline (Kushel) Cusick

To the Kelley Family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with the whole family. Ray was a very nice person always had a smile on his face and so popular in school. Arline (Kushel) Cusick
07/24/2023

Brian Cordeiro

To Jeanne and the entire family, Please know that all of us at Saint Philomena School pray with and for you during this time. Ray was a tremendous leader, friend and support of the Sisters FCJ, the school and so many of us fortunate enough to call him friend. May our loving God welcome him into eternal rest. Be assured of our support for your family now and in the future. The Saint Philomena School Community
07/24/2023

Deborah Scipione

Ray and Sara, Thinking of your both and praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time. Deborah Scipione
07/24/2023

David Foehr

Jeanne, and Kelley Family: So sad to hear this news. Ray and I as well as all the neighbors on Prudence Lane in Warren, RI had many good times together. I am sure that he is safe and secure in God's hands. My reguest for God's Blessing for Ray's family entire family is my prayer at this time. My sympathies to all who knew and loved Ray. God Bless, Dave Foehr, Semper Fi
07/24/2023

Jean & Bob Motta

One of the nicest, kindest people we knew. Ray was a man of true class and respect He was our McBee sales rep for many years Always getting me out of a jam even when he was away on vacation. Your passing leaves a great void in many that you met along the way Ray Jr and family we send you our most heartfelt sympathy Your dad was the best of the best and will be sorely missed Jean & Bob Motta
07/24/2023

Judi

Sincere condolences to you and your family, Kim Fran & Judi Hart
07/24/2023

Louise LeComte

I enjoyed working with Ray as a Board member of the Buzzards Bay Rowing Club. He was kind, very supportive, and did a great job coordinating our Scholarship program He will be missed 💕 Louise LeComte

Tributes

Glenn Goddard sent Heavenly & Harmony for Raymond D. Kelley - 07/24/2023

Our hearts are saddened by your loss, and our thoughts are with you. On behalf of the entire team, please accept our deepest sympathies. - Glenn Goddard and The Intellia Family
Jackie DeVries sent Heatfelt Hope Arrangement for Raymond D. Kelley - 07/24/2023

We love you. Jackie, Glennie and Ruth
Glone and Steve Baker planted 5 trees in memory of Raymond D. Kelley . - 07/26/2023