Raymond Kelly

Needham - Raymond 'Ray' Kelly passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of May 20, 2025, after an over decade-long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Ray was born on November 28, 1946, to Helen (Early) and Francis Kelly, in Bronxville, New York. Growing up, Ray, his parents and his brothers, Frank and Larry, spent many wonderful summers on Shelter Island together with other family and friends.

Ray graduated from Xavier University in 1968 and Boston College Law School in 1971. He first practiced law in Connecticut, working in legal services to assist those in need who could not otherwise afford a lawyer. After marrying his wife, Suzanne (Boyd), and moving to New Hampshire, Ray opened his own law firm in Manchester, where he practiced social security and disability law, again serving vulnerable populations to help them obtain the resources to support themselves and their families. Ray was a highly respected member of the New Hampshire bar and served as President and active member of NOSSCR throughout his over forty-five-year career.

Ray was a classic-rock-loving-hippie-sports-fanatic who lived for live music, Red Sox and Bruins games, Xavier basketball, Boston College football and Colby White Mule hockey. He was an avid reader, especially of bizarre alien-themed science fiction novels, the New York Times, and any book by David McCullough. Later in life, he committed himself to AA, attending daily meetings, and becoming a sponsor and role model to many seeking the serenity he found within that community.

Ray’s biggest joy was his family. Ray was always cheering on his children and then his grandchildren whether on the sidelines of a field, court or rink, or just through everyday life. He would drive hours to and from his home or office in New Hampshire to catch a game with Ryan or have dinner with Kara. After his first granddaughter, Kate, was born in 2004, he was thereafter known as Popi. In 2017, Popi and Gaga left New Hampshire for Needham to be closer to their children and grandchildren. He was fiercely proud of and loved by all of his family.

Ray is survived by his loyal and loving wife, Suzanne, his daughter Kara (Dion) and her husband, Bill of Hopkinton, his son Ryan and his wife, Jessica of Needham; four amazing grandchildren, Kate Dion, Colin Dion, Dylan Kelly and Lila Kelly, and his brothers, Frank Kelly and Larry Kelly and their families.

A Celebration of Ray’s life will be held on Friday, June 27th from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Needham Golf Club, 49 Green Street, Needham. All are welcome. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3212 or just take your child or grandchild to a concert or sporting event and share the joy and experience of live entertainment!

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.