David S. Kelley

David “Dave” S. Kelley, 89 years old and one day, passed away in Dover, NH on October 4, 2025 from advanced dementia. David was born in East Derry, NH to parents Richard and Ida (Normandeau) Kelley and grew up in Sandown, NH. He was the beloved husband of Joan C. (O’Brien), with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage before her passing in December, 2022. David was the father of five children: Barbara, James, Kathleen, Sharon (“Shar”), and Christopher. He was the grandfather of five grandchildren: Liam, Sophia, Lauren, Nathan and Luca.

David grew up in very humble beginnings in Sandown where hard physical work and not taking anything for granted were instilled into him from an early age. David was very intelligent and solving complex math problems came easy to him. David was accepted into the General Electric Apprenticeship Program in Lynn, MA where he met Joan, and he began training for a management career. David was accepted into Tufts University as part of the GE Apprenticeship Program and obtained his Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering by attending Tufts in the evening while working full time days at GE. David graduated number two in his class from Tufts University and made many life-long friends in the Apprenticeship Program.

David worked for General Electric for 41 years and was the Manager of Quality Control for the Aircraft Engines Division. David’s unwavering commitment to perfectionism, attention to detail, and unwillingness to compromise because “peoples’ lives depended on it” made him a highly respected leader and manager. Known for always doing the right thing and unwilling to cut corners, David was transferred all around the US to manage aircraft divisions at different GE manufacturing plants. David, Joan and their family lived in PA, KY, CA, VT and MA, but his favorite place - and where he called home - was Wallingford, VT.

David and his father Richard, built the home in Wallingford nestled atop a hill with panoramic views of the Green Mountains. The green landscape reminded him of Ireland and the spectacular foliage was a beloved site for him every autumn. David was a country boy who loved to garden, can and preserve, make wine from fruits he grew on the Wallingford property, build furniture and do woodworking. David volunteered on many town committees and town activities boards, and taught himself how to play guitar and mandolin.

After retiring from GE, David enjoyed researching his family and genealogy; traveling to Europe; and snowbirding to Bradenton, FL where he and Joan enjoyed new friends and sunshine - but his heart always remained in Vermont.

David is survived by daughter Kathleen and her life partner Jim Cooke of Lee, NH; daughter Shar of Brookline, MA; son Christopher and daughter-in-law Amy of Switzerland. He was predeceased by his daughter Barbara, and son James. He is also survived by grandchildren Liam and his wife Jenna of Reno, NV; Sophia of Concord, NH; Lauren of Brighton, MA; Nathan of Switzerland; and Luca of Brookline, MA. David is survived by sister Louise (“Kelley”) and brother-in-law John of Brunswick, ME; and sister Theresa of Holden, ME. He was predeceased by two brothers, Norman and Edward; and by a sister Kathleen. He is also survived by brother-in-law Thomas and his wife Marlene O’Brien of Peabody, MA; and sister-in-law Irene O’Brien of Andover, MA. He was predeceased by brother-in-law Philip O’Brien, and sister-in-law Maureen Mahoney. He will be fondly remembered as “Uncle Dave” by many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of David’s life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Second Congregational Church, 173 Washington Street in West Boxford, MA at 9:30 A.M. immediately followed by a graveside service at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in West Boxford, MA. The family invites all who knew David to attend.

Funeral and burial services are coordinated by the Paul C. Rogers Funeral Home in Amesbury, MA. In lieu of flowers or floral arrangements, the family is honoring David’s request that donations be made to: Shriners Hospital, www.donate.shrinerschildrens.org and The Vermont Food Bank, https://www.vtfoodbank.org/donate