Jerome "Bruce" Kelley
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Jerome "Bruce" Kelley passed away peacefully in his Largo, Florida home on Friday January 8, 2021. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Patricia F. Kelley (2018), his mother, Mabel Ann (1997) and his father, Arthur Kimball (1985).
Born and raised in Concord NH, Bruce served in the US Navy from 1951-1955. After his service he returned to New Hampshire to attend UNH and later New England College where he received a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering in 1959. While at UNH he met and married the woman who would become his lifelong partner, Patricia Foster.
Bruce's professional career spanned 34 years working as a civil engineer for the State of New Hampshire Highway department. He served in various capacities including "Highway Audit Engineer" and "DBE Liaison". He also served as a Director of the New Hampshire Good Roads Association for many years.
He was a member of the Pembroke Congregational Church and served on many committees including a 20 year stint as the church's Assistant Treasurer. He was one of the earliest members of the Concord Boys Club and much later served as an Associate Director of the Concord Boys & Girls Club. He also served on the original Zoning Board of Adjustment for the town of Pembroke and later on its Budget Committee.
After retiring Bruce (and Trish) split their time between New Hampshire and Longboat Key, Fl, becoming very involved in their local church there; Longboat Key Island Chapel, where Bruce also volunteered at the Lord's Warehouse. In 1997, Bruce was elected the 1st president of the newly formed Twin Shores Beach & Marina Residents Association, a group of homeowners organized to negotiate and complete the purchase of the Mobile home park in which they lived.
A dedicated husband, father, brother and friend Bruce was best when he was just "Pops" to his 6 grandkids. Hauling them around the lake on the inner tube (never fast enough), or trying to catch "Big Mona" just to explain that if you caught her, you really had to throw her back. He enjoyed travel, playing golf and was very involved in PALS (Profile Automobile League); the oldest antique car enthusiast club in New Hampshire.
Bruce is survived by 3 sons; Michael Kelley and wife Jennifer of Richmond VT, John Brent Kelley of Las Vegas, NV and Bradford Kelley and wife Kathy of Tarpon Springs FL; 6 grandchildren, Rebecca, Ryan, Patrick, Jessica, Tanner and Michael; a brother, David Kelley of Georgia and a sister, Cindy Carens of Virginia.
SERVICES: Internment will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in a private ceremony to be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in Bruce's memory can be made to; Concord Boys & Girls Club 55 Bradley Street, Concord NH 03301
Bennett's Funeral Home in Concord NH is assisting the family with arrangements.