William Leo Kelly

William Leo Kelly

August 8, 1950 - January 4, 2026

William Leo Kelly, 75, of Sharon, Massachusetts passed away on January 4, 2026 surrounded by his loving family after battling a brief and serious illness. 

Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey to Edward Kelly and Ann Cleary, Bill had two brothers Edward and Frank. A classic middle child, Bill was always looking for adventure, mischief and competition. He was exceptionally smart, loving and known for maintaining cherished friendships throughout his life.

Bill attended Delbarton School where he met his life-long best friend and played football. He earned his undergraduate degree from Boston College where he befriended several fellow Eagles who later became his golf buddies, bridge partners and fellow BC football season ticket holders. He later earned his Masters in Public Administration from University of Massachusetts.

Bill dedicated his life to helping others, with his career culminating as the Executive Director of Beta Community Partnerships, based in Attleboro and Taunton. He was proud of the team he built and the services they provided to their clients with developmental disabilities. While his work was not glamorous, his determination and passion changed lives.

Bill cherished spending time with his family. Alongside his wife, Jane, of nearly 45 years, they  proudly raised two smart, caring children who had become incredible friends, mentors, caregivers, and successful professionals. Jane and Bill enjoyed traveling both near and far– from exploring Massachusetts’ charming coastal towns to sample oysters to traversing the country and the globe as a family.

Bill’s favorite trips were to Washington D.C. to see his grandchildren– who were his pride and joy. Affectionately named “Grumpy,” Bill earned a new best friend in first grandson, Brooks. Brooks made Grumpy proud with his young perseverance, made him laugh with his silly dance moves, and made his heart melt with a hug and kiss. Bill was equally endeared to his younger granddaughter, Parker, who quickly impressed him with her grit and determination to keep up with her older brother.

Bill loved life, work, golf, college sports, American history, music and politics. Last summer, he celebrated his 75th birthday in Scituate surrounded by family and dear friends from the chronicles of his storied life.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Connolly, his children, Meredith and Ryan Kelly, his son-in-law Travis Brimm, his beloved grandchildren, Brooks and Parker Brimm, and his brother, Frank. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Ann and Edward and his brother Ed.

Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton Friday 4:00 to 7:00 pm.  Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Sharon Saturday Morning at 10:00.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Beta Community Partnerships @ https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=dz-6OljheA08boO4H0NLjhWDuUMUElQAdf2cWSfcFGJ79Y-nYhNLaHzBjQwWHdZArExuLpxHHEUpxI6o

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