Frederick R. Kelley, Jr., 93, died at home on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, after a short illness. His wife of 63 years, Betty N. (Moyer) Kelley, died May 28, 2009.

He leaves two daughters, Maura K. Vantre and her husband Stephen Vantre Sr. of Worcester, Elizabeth M. Hazelhurst and her husband Gerald Hazelhurst of Sydney, Nova Scotia; seven grandchildren, Stephen Vantre, Jr., David Vantre, Kelley Manson, Paul Berthiaume, Daniel Berthiaume, Ryan Berthiaume, Sarah Berthiaume; four great grandchildren, Serina Ratoff, Erin Vantre, Nora Berthiaume, Riley Postlethwaite; a daughter-in-law, Diahann Kelley; and several nieces and nephews. His son, Frederick R. Kelley, III and his two brothers, Robert F. and Joseph E. Kelley, all predeceased him.

He was born and raised in Worcester, son of the late Frederick R. Kelley, Sr. and Margaret (Karpovitch) Kelley and graduated from Worcester Classical High School in 1941. He attended Worcester State College before entering the United States Army in 1942.

He was a World War II Army Air Corps Veteran rising to the rank of Captain. He continued his military service with the United States Air Force Reserves. During the Cold War years, he served as trainer and commander of the 9227th Air Reserve Squadron. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

While serving in North Africa and Italy with the 5th Army, he was a photo intelligence and combat liaison officer. He was presented the Bronze Star medal and a special citation for targeting enemy artillery positions and installations. Upon release from active duty, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Susquehanna University and his Master’s degree from Bucknell University.

Fred began his teaching career at Carson Long Military Institute in New Bloomfield, PA. In 1954, he was employed by the Worcester Public Schools as a guidance counselor at the former Providence St. Junior High School. He later taught English at North High School and Burncoat High School. He also served as Assistant Principal at several of Worcester’s former junior high schools before he retired as Assistant Principal at Doherty High School.

He was a member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Auburn Elks Lodge #2118. He was appointed District Deputy of the Massachusetts Elks West Central District. He also served as Past President of the Worcester County Chapter of the Retired Officers’ Association and was a member of the Chester P. Tuttle American Legion Post and several other military and educational organizations. He was a long-time member of St. George’s Church.

CALLING HOURS will be held from 5 to 8 P.M. on MONDAY, APRIL 24 at KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 154 Lincoln Street. Members of the Auburn-Webster Elks Lodge will perform their ritual at 6:30 P.M. A FUNERAL MASS will be held at 11 A.M. on TUESDAY, APRIL 25 at ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH, 38 Brattle St. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, MA.

The family suggests donations in memory of Fred be made to Massachusetts Elks Association Scholarship Fund or the Elks National Foundation c/o the Auburn-Webster Elks Lodge #2118, P.O. Box 306, Auburn, MA 01501 OR to the VNA Hospice and Palliative Care, Fund Development Office, 199 Rosewood Drive, Suite 180, Danvers, MA 01923.