Richard A. Kelley

Attorney Richard A. Kelley of Willimantic passed away on June 14, 2013 after a lengthy illness. He was born on February 4, 1932 in Willimantic, the son of Arthur and Lillian Kelley. He attended local schools and graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1957 and its law school in 1960. In 1951-1952 he served in Korea as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. After law school he married the former Linda Brown of Groton and joined the Willimantic law firm of Gaucher and Gaucher. He practiced law for several years until his appointment as a public defender for Windham County, a full time position he held until his retirement. He served one term as a corporation counsel of the City of Willimantic. He was a member of many service and veterans' organizations including the YMCA where he served as president and Post 1724 of VFW. After retirement he worked as a Magistrate in the Judicial System. He also taught business law as an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut and Eastern Connecticut State University. He was a former president of the local Irish club. He was very loyal to Willimantic and directed the renovation of the Park Spring recreation area where summer concerts are held. A former president of the UConn Alumni Association, Dick actively supported the goals of the University and its sports teams. In his later years he enjoyed the company of other local sportsmen known as Roy's boys in memory of their late mentor, Roy Dissinger. He is survived by his wife Linda, his sister Therese Regan of South Carolina, his children, Patrick Kelley and his wife Fay, and Kathleen Wildeboer and her husband Chad. He also leaves his grandchildren David, Sharon, Austin, and Cole, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Lucille Gray and his brother Thomas Kelley. His family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday June 23rd between 2:00pm and 4:00pm at Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday June 24th at 10:00am at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St. Willimantic with interment following in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .