John Francis Kelly

Dr. John F. Kelly of Rotonda West, FL, formerly of Norwood, MA and East Dennis, MA died October 22, 2014, at home after a brief illness at the age of 93. He was born December 1,1920, the youngest son of the late Edmund J. and Annie T. (Shea). Kelly. On August 3,1946 he married Anna L. MacDonald and enjoyed 57 years of marriage. They resided in Hyde Park, MA where he opened his general medical practice, until moving to Norwood where they raised seven children. John was a graduate of Norwood High School, Class of 1938, Boston College, Class of 1943, and Boston University School of Medicine, Class of 1946. He was a Navy veteran. Doctor John was General Practitioner, and then Chief of Anesthesiology at Norwood Hospital. He was then Medical and Executive Director of NORCAP (Norwood Hospital Comprehensive Alcoholism Program), which was the first private hospital alcoholism program in Massachusetts. NORCAP celebrated its 40th anniversary the day before he died. Doctor John loved Irish music and knew all the words. He would have a joke for the moment with just a punch line in his wallet. His love of football began in high school as a member of the Norwood High football team. Golf was his primary sport. He made a putting green and sandtrap in the backyard so that all seven children could practice. He enjoyed playing in many leagues in Norwood, Dennis and Rotonda West. He was an avid football fan of the New England Patriots. He enjoyed many summers as Captain on his boat the RAJA, fishing in Cape Cod Bay. His interest in ham radio followed him from Massachusetts to Florida. His call sign was N1KEN. For many years he was a member of the Englewood Amateur Radio Society (EARS). Doctor John was a former consultant to the Lemon Bay High School on Alcoholism Education and Prevention. His commitment to Alcoholism Education and Prevention programs was a passion in his life. Since his move to Florida, Doctor John continued his commitment of service to others and developed many friendships that enriched his spirit. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by: Joan Tuttle and her husband Bernie of Woburn, MA; John Kelly and his wife Melinda of Kensington, MD; Rita Kelly Doughtie and her husband Mark of South Dennis, MA; Edmund Kelly and his wife Jeanne of Attleboro, MA; Chris Kelly and his wife Beth of Plymouth, MA, Alicia Kelly of South Dennis, MA and daughter-in-law Debbie of Wareham, MA. Seventeen grandchildren and four great grandchildren also survive him. He is predeceased by wife, Anna, in 2004 and his son, Brian, in 2014. A celebration of his life will be held at the Unity Church of Peace, 1250 Rutledge St. North Port, FL 34287 on Sunday, October 26 at 2:30 pm. Interment will be in Norwood, MA at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Unity Church of Peace or a charity of your choice. The family is deeply appreciative of the care of his physicians, friends, and neighbors and the outpouring of support to our family. Three words that summed up his life: "Happy, Joyous and Free!" Heart Warmers October 22, 2014 " A happy memory is a joy forever."