Joseph Thomas Kelly

Of the North End, originally of Dorchester, Joseph Thomas Kelly passed away after a long illness on May 15, 2026.

Beloved son of the late John B. Kelly and Mildred (Clauss) Kelly. Survived by his loving wife, Katie Kenneally Kelly, sons Colum Whyte and his wife Kelly, Sean Whyte and his wife Bridget, grandchildren Eoin, Aoife, Rory and Rowan Whyte, brother-in-law Leo Hurley, sister-in-law Louise Kelly, and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by siblings Jean Richter and her husband Paul, Rosemarie Hurley, Marilyn Nickley and her husband Joseph, Margaret Kelly, John B. Kelly Jr., and Dianne Kelly Herr.

Joe was a graduate of Boston Teachers College and Massachusetts College of Law. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was a teacher, lawyer, U.S. Congressional aide, and a dedicated public servant. He was a loving and much-loved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. When his sister Dianne set up the blind date with Joe’s future wife Katie that began their story, she said “My brother is a gentleman.” Joe was exactly that, a gentle man of strength, love and deep faith. He will be profoundly missed.

Family and friends will honor and remember Joe’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the Murphy Funeral Home, 1020 Dorchester Ave., DORCHESTER, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St Leonard of Port Maurice church, 320 Hanover St., Boston, on Thursday morning, May 21, 2026, at 10:00 A.M.

Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to St Leonard Parish, https://saintleonardchurchboston.org, The Gavin Foundation https://gavinfoundation.org/donate, or the Jimmy Fund, www.danafarber.jummyfund.org.