Obituary of George Oscar Kelley

It is with sadness, but appreciation for a long and well-lived life that the family of George Oscar Kelley announces his peaceful passing on December 15^th, 2021, at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

He leaves behind his son John W. Kelley (Eleanore) of Quispamsis, his daughter Gillian H. McIntyre (Robert) of Rothesay; grandchildren Melissa Theriault (Rick), Sean Kelley (Cindy),  Christian Kelley (Patricia), Roy McIntyre (Lisa), and Kelley McIntyre (Shawn Toner); great-grandchildren Spencer Theriault, Julia Kelley, Anna-Mae Kelley, William Kelley, Jackson Kelley, Alexander McIntyre, Rebecca McIntyre, Rachael McIntyre, Reese Toner, and Layla Toner; as well as extended family Conor Steeves, Jaylen Steeves, Connor Stites, Joe Theriault, Kyle Newcombe, and Emily Gardiner.    

George was born in New Zion, New Brunswick on May 30^th, 1918, to the late George V and Helena Maud (Richardson) Kelley. He was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen; son Neil; siblings Howard Claude, Iona Brogan, Annie (Campbell) Fairweather, Lois Toth, Jean Forbes, Edythe Blair, Maude Gaudet, and infant sister Evelyn.

He worked in the coal mines of Minto before leaving home in 1941 to join the Royal Canadian Air Force. He went overseas as ground crew and was posted with “405” Squadron. It was there that he met a young English lady named Kathleen “Kay” Abraham. They were married on May 21^st, 1945, shortly before he was shipped out to a new posting in Greenwood NS at the end of the war. They were reunited at Pier 21 in Halifax, almost one year after their wedding, and settled in Saint John where they raised their 3 children.

George worked at Battery Electric on Duke Street before starting his own business “Kelley’s Ignition Service” on the Golden Grove Road in the early 1950’s. After retirement he volunteered with the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, and the East Saint John Food Bank. He was a member of the Jervis Bay #53 Legion and the 250 Wing RCAF Association. He was a faithful and very active member of St. Mary & St. Bartholomew’s Church.

The family would like to thank Carolyn Ramsay and her team in Palliative Care for their excellent care; Shannex Concorde Hall, Quispamsis; Rev. Greg McMullin, Rev. David Barrett, and Lori Robertson from Pastoral Care.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). Visiting for George will be held on Monday, December 20^th, 2021, at St. Mary & St. Bartholomew (646 Westmorland Rd.) from 10:00 – 1:00 PM, with the funeral service directly following visiting starting at 1:00 PM. Burial for Mr. Kelley will follow at Ocean View Memorial Gardens. Due to Covid-19 health measures placed on indoor gatherings by the Government of New Brunswick, all those 12 and older attending the service will be required to show proof of vaccination and a piece of government-issued ID or proof of medical exemption. The family has provided the opportunity for those unable to attend the funeral service to participate via Livestreaming. To access Mr. Kelley’s livestream please visit his obituary page at www.BrenansFH.com. Donations in George’s honour can be made to the can be to SMSB Mission Center, or charity of choice. For those who wish, condolences may be made by visiting www.BrenansFH.com.