Paul Kelley, 78, of Derry NH (formerly of North Andover MA), passed away peacefully with family by his side on Monday, January 18, 2016.

Born July 6, 1937 in Boston MA, the son of the late Loretta (Bradley) Kelley and Charles Kelley of Roxbury MA. He lost his parents at a young age and was extremely close to his cousin Vonnie (Bradley) Mahoney and her daughter Helen (Mahoney) Gallaoway growing up. He served in the US ARMY as a Fire Control Operator during the Berlin Crisis of 1961 in Germany. Paul moved to the North Andover area and worked as a Pressman at Alco Electronics for several years. After he retired, he devoted his time to his true passion which was animals. He was a favored pet sitter for many local friends & family because of his compassion for all animals. He also volunteered his time delivering meals on wheels to the elderly. He enjoyed helping people and animals whenever he could. He also enjoyed going on cruises and enjoying time with his family. He was very proud to go horseback riding for his first time at 74 years old with family in AZ. Paul rented the same apartment in North Andover for 20+ years and became very close to his Pleasant Street family who had always looked out for him in his elder years. He enjoyed his independence and could be stubborn & feisty at times, but it was one of the things we all loved about him. His wise guy sense of humor always kept us all on our toes. He recently relocated to Derry NH to live with his niece Michelle. A special thanks to the staff at Aurora Senior Living and Compassionate Care Hospice, who cared for him in his time of need and made him a part of their lives. Many of the staff and residents became very special to him and our family will never forget that. Paul was an Uncle to many but also a friend to all who met him. He will be missed by many.

Paul is survived by several nieces/nephews; Mary Barber & her husband Bill of South Weymouth, MA, Paula Burney & her husband Chris of Norwalk, CT, Jill, Rob, Kaelie & Anthony Piscitello of Sharon, MA, William O’Connor Jr (deceased) of Randolph, MA, Melanie, Kelly & Riley O’Malley of Norwalk, MA, Michael, Megan, Colin, Daniel, Kyle & Katie Bernard of Stamford, CT, Kenneth & Sheryl Kelley, Colin, Amanda & Kevin Kelley, Rory Kelley, and Katie & Brian Caulkins, all of Waddell AZ, Denise Bostonian, John Bostonian, Danielle Bostonian & Savannah Schmidt all of North Andover, MA, Michelle McManus of Derry, NH, Ken McManus of Lawrence, MA, Rachel, Lance and Leah Enaire of Haverhill, MA, Robert & Linda Sandmann, Kara Sandmann, Tayla & Kasey Contino, all of Pepperell, MA, Nicole, Lexi, Kelly & Matthew Sandmann of Westminster, MA.

He is also survived by his cat Zoe and many other loving family members: Sheila Prunier of Hampstead NH; Nancy & Rick Andrews of Tyngsboro MA; Diane & Bob Berry of Ashland, MA; Kim & Veronica Mayr of Newton NH.

Paul was preceded in death by his brothers, Charlie Kelley of Roxbury MA, Kenneth Kelley & his wife Patricia of North Andover MA, and his sister Lorraine O’Connor & her husband William of Randolph MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844 (https://www.mspca.org/adoption-centers/nevins-farm-adoption-center/)... or to honor Paul’s memory in a nonmonetary fashion, we ask that you please help an animal in need if/when you are able to, whether it be adopting an animal from a shelter, helping a lost dog who is roaming the streets, or just putting bread or birdseed out for the birds in your neighborhood. This is what would make him happiest, for all who cared about him to honor his memory by showing compassion to animals.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 25, 2016 from 4 to 7 pm at the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 72 Elm Street, North Andover, MA, with a commemorative service to follow at 7 pm at the church. To send an online condolence, please go towww.dewhirstfuneral.com or www.facebook.com/DewhirstFuneralHome.

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