Fr. Raymond Michael Kelly

Reverend Raymond M. Kelly, S.T.B., M.S.L.S., 91, Pastor Emeritus of Saint Patrick Church, Providence, died on Tuesday, May 26, 2015. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Richard and Mary Josephine (Brassil) Kelly and stepson of the late Margaret M. (Power) Harrington Kelly. He was educated by the Religious Sisters of Mercy in Cleary School, St. Joseph Parish, Providence, and attended LaSalle Academy. In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Our Lady of Providence Preparatory Seminary, Warwick, and completed his seminary studies at St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, MD, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology. He graduated from the Catholic University, Washington, DC, in 1963 earning a Master of Science in Library Science degree. In 1972 he received an Honorary Doctorate in Religious Education from Our Lady of Providence Seminary. He was ordained on June 11, 1949 by the late Most Reverend Bishop Russell J. McVinney, D.D., Bishop of Providence, at the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul. Upon ordination, he was assigned to Our Lady of Providence Seminary, where he was a spiritual director, a prefect of discipline, and librarian. He served in parish assignments at St. Paul, Cranston; St. Kevin, Warwick; and St. Bernard, Wickford. He was appointed pastor of St. Patrick Church in Providence in 1971 (and brought the charismatic renewal to the parish with the late Fr. John Randall). He faithfully served as pastor at St. Patrick for 32 years until his retirement on June 30, 2003, when he became Pastor Emeritus. He is survived by his brother, Patrick Alfred Kelly, of East Providence, and was the brother of the late Richard T. Kelly, Mary J. Kelly, Helen McCormick, M. Adelaide O’Neill and Timothy Harrington. Fr. Kelly also leaves several nieces and nephews. The Solemn Transferal of Fr. Kelly’s body will be celebrated on Monday, June 1, 2015, at 5:00 pm, followed by visitation until 8:00 pm, in St. Patrick Church, 244 Smith Street, Providence. A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of his soul on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 10:00 am, in the church. Interment will be in the family lot at Mt. St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to St. Patrick Church, 244 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02908. Funeral arrangements are under the direction and care of the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, Providence. www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com Parking lot available and handicap entrance/elevator is at the rear of the church. SERVICES Visitation Friday, May 01, 20155:00 PM - 8:00 PM Saint Patrick Church 244 Smith Street Providence, RI 02908 Parking lot available and handicap entrance/elevator is at the rear of the church.