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John J. Kelly Sr
THOMPSON – John J. Kelly Sr., 83, of 1358 Riverside Drive, Wilsonville, a former selectman, died yesterday at his home after an extended illness.
His wife of 53 years, Loretta “Dolly” (Talabac) Kelly, died in 1992. He leaves a son, John J. Kelly of Orange, Conn.; a daughter, Joan Lucason of Oneco, Conn.; a sister, Mary O’Connor of Manchester, Conn.; four grandchildren; nephews and nieces. Born in Pomfret, Conn., son of Thomas and Mary (Brogan) Kelly, he resided most of his adult life in Thompson. He graduating from Putnam High School in 1932 and attended Rhode Island School of Design in Providence.
Mr. Kelley and his wife owned and operated several restaurants in Thompson, including the Arrow Grill, Knollwood, and Dolly’s Dairyland. Later, they started a commercial weaving business, known as Valley Textile Inc. After selling Valley Textile and until the time of his death, Mr. Kelly served as a deputy sheriff for Windham County.
Mr. Kelly was a member of the Thompson Democratic Town Committee and served as president of the Windham County Democratic Association. During his two-year term as selectman, he helped to initiate many programs, including the Thompson Library Bookmobile, First Elderly Housing Project, Thompson Day Care Center, and the Community Development Action Program.
He served many years as a chairman for the Windham County March of Dimes Campaign. He was a charter member of the Thompson Lions Club, and a former member of St. Bernard Council 2087, Knights of Columbus, North Grosvenordale.
Mr. Kelly was a communicant of St. Joseph Church, North Grosvenordale, and served as a trustee.
The funeral service will be Friday from Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., North Grosvenordale, with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 18 Main St. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours are 6 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northeast Connecticut, 54 Pomfret St., Putnam, Conn. 06260; or the Community Fire Department, or St. Joseph Church, both of North Grosvenordale, Conn. 06255.
Telegram & Gazette; Worcester, Mass. 24 Sep 1997: B5. SOUTH COUNTY Edition
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