1935 – 2014

AUBURN — Gerald J. Kelley Sr., 79, of Lewiston died Friday, Aug. 22.

He was born on July 28, 1935, in Melrose, Mass., a son of the late Thomas and Anna (Coughlin) Kelley. He grew up in the Melrose area and attended local schools. He was a graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1953, and attended college at Wentworth Institute and Boston University.

He served in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years, honorably discharged as a Specialist 4.

He married his childhood sweetheart, Marilyn (Beauregard), on May 10, 1958, and together they raised six children.

He worked for Transitron in Melrose, Mass., as a machinist/tool and die maker, and he owned and operated his own bicycle shop before moving to Maine to work for Philips Element. He retired from White Rock Distilleries.

He was a PGK of Melrose Knights of Columbus No. 128 and a member of the Elks club in Lewiston, No. 371.

He is survived by his children, Elizabeth and her husband, Christopher Miller, of Hartford, Gerald J. Jr. and his wife, Tina, of Nashua N.H., Laureen and her husband, Paul Schlesinger, of Sandown, N.H, Timothy J. of Manchester, N.H., Peter M. of Lewiston, and Brian S. and his wife, Luiza, of Camarillo, Calif.; four grandchildren Nicholas, Timothy J (TJ), David and Thomas; his sisters, Pattie of Arlington Mass., Ginny and her husband, Tom, of Melrose Mass., and Kathleen of Wakefield Mass.; brothers, Dr. Thomas and his wife, Dr. Irene, of Canton, Kevin and his wife Kathy of Groveland, Mass.; and many friends, of which there are too many to mention.

He is predeceased by his wife Marilyn of 50 years, who died in 2008; brothers, Charlie and Larry; and a sister, Eileen.

As he slipped from life, he told his children, “I’ll leave the light on for you.”

Special thanks to the staff at CMMC in the numerous units he visited along way, St. Mary’s d’Youville Pavilion for his therapy and Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for his care in the end that made him comfortable where Dad was surrounded by his children and grandson, Nicholas, who traveled from Alaska to be with him.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories of Gerald through his guest book at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.