Philip ‘Phil’ Kelly
Longtime Charlestown Youth Basketball Coach; Inducted into the Boston Park League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984
Philip P. “Phil” Kelly, a six year resident of Melrose. former 25-year resident of Medford and 62-year resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Thursday, September 29 at the Chelsea Soldiers Home in Chelsea following an extended illness. He was 93 years old.
Phil was born in Charlestown on December 17, 1922, a son of the late Edward Kelly and Mary (Diver) Kelly. He grew up in Charlestown. was educated in the Boston Public School system and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1942 where he was recognized as an All City third baseman of the varsity baseball team. Phil enlisted into the United States Marine Corps on August 12, 1943 and served his country with honor and courage during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was discharged on June 3, 1952 with the rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
Phil worked for the United States Government as a clerk and retired after 40 years of dedicated service to his country. Phil was always very involved in sports especially baseball and basketball while he lived in Charlestown. He coached Charlestown Youth Baseball for many years and was inducted into the Boston Park League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984. He was a member of the Amateur Softball Association for over 40 years and was a very proud member of I.A.A.B.O (International Association of Approved Basketball Officials) from 1957 to 2007. Later in life, Phil took pride in teaching the young people who were interested the correct ways of refereeing baseball and basketball games.
Phil was a member of the Bunker Hill Council # 62, Knights of Columbus, The Old Charlestown Schoolboys Association and The Malden Irish American Club. Phil’s passion in his life was his family and he enjoyed the many sing-a-longs entertaining everyone with his love of playing the harmonica.
The beloved husband of 62 years to Rosia M. (Davis) Kelly, he was the devoted father of Dennis Kelly and his wife, Kathleen of Melrose, Kevin Kelly and his wife, Ann Marie of Charlestown, Alice Houlihan and her husband, James “Dinga” of Nahant, Maureen Dagle and her husband, James of Melrose and Patricia Copson and her husband, Bill of Woburn; the loving Papa to Caitlin and her husband Brent, Timothy, Kacie, Kiersten, Philip, Patrick, Conor, Gavin, Sean, Brigid, Breegan, Emerald, Samantha, Alyssa, Olivia and the late Colleen; the beloved brother of the late Bridget Garvin, Margaret Rogan, Edward Kelly, Jack Kelly, Bernie Kelly and Bill Kelly. He is also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Phil’s Funeral on Thursday, October 6 at 9 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 55 Warren St. Charlestown at 10 a.m. His burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. His visiting hours were held on Wednesday, October 5 in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Phil’s name to The Charlestown Boys & Girls Club, 15 Green St. Charlestown, Mass. 02129. To send a message of condolence, please visit www.CarrFuneral.com