John J. “Jack” Shelly, age 86, of Brewster, MA, formerly of East Northport, NY passed away on October 18, 2019. Jack was born in Manhattan, NY to the late James and Catherine Shelly. He was predeceased in death by his wonderful wife of 58 years, Ann P. Shelly.
Jack proudly served in the United States Army and received an Honorable Discharge after he sustained a serious injury. He relocated to sunny California and in April of 1952, embarked on a 37 year long career with American Airlines and the aviation industry. There, he met the “love of his life” Ann (Richards) Shelly, also employed with AA. They married in May of 1958 and started their family in Huntington Beach, CA.
Starting out as a Res. Agent, Jack quickly moved into sales with American. He was recognized as a leader and an outstanding communicator. Jack was asked to represent American in leading the Los Angeles Sound Abatement Coordinating Committee, where he became director. His great success in this role eventually led him back to New York where he settled with his family in East Northport, NY. Jack became the Executive Director of the Aviation Development Council.
In his role as director, Jack helped to coordinate the airline industry’s attempts to abate aircraft noise in the Tri-State area while dealing with neighboring communities and government officials. In recognition of his outstanding performance as Executive Director of ADC and his commitment, vision and leadership to promote public awareness and support of aviation in the Northeast, Jack was honored with many distinguished public service awards from the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (Eastern Region) as well as from the Port Authority of NY & NJ. Upon his retirement, the President of the Borough of Queens, NY proclaimed June 22, 2001 “Jack Shelly Day”, due to his devotion to the airline industry and contributions to the Tri-State area.
Jack & Ann retired to beautiful Cape Cod, MA as well as Naples, FL where they enjoyed sun, sand and fun with their loving family and friends for many years. Jack is survived by his three children: Mark R. Shelly, Kathi M. Walsh (Sean) and John J. Shelly, Jr. (Nancy). Five grandchildren: Joe, Devin (Hannah), Conor, Johnny & Colin, two great grandsons: Matthew and Brayden, great granddaughter: Mya, sibling: William J. Shelly (Kay), nieces: Katie, Lisa, Justine & Amanda, nephews: Steve and Grady. Jack is predeceased by grandchildren: Sienna and Liam Shelly.
Visiting Hours: Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, November 6th from 4-7 p.m. at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 729 Route 134 S. Dennis, MA. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, November 7th at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of the Cape Parish, 468 Stony Brook Rd. Brewster, MA. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.doanebealamesdennis.com.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIOCOMPARTA
v.1.11.6