Robert "Moe" Desmond Kelley

Robert “Moe” Desmond Kelley of Rockland, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024, at the age of 89. Moe was born in Boston on Sept 13, 1934, and was the son of the late Florence G. (Long) and Francis D. Kelley.

Moe was raised in North Quincy and attended North Quincy High. This is where he met the love of his life Irene (Tierney). Moe and Irene graduated from North Quincy High in 1952. After high school he went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was stationed at the Charlestown Naval Shipyard. He then attended New England College of Pharmacy and graduated with a B.S. in Pharmacy in 1960. He spent his career as a pharmacist. He found this a very fulfilling career and met many wonderful people over the years. Moe was a very caring person with a big heart who genuinely loved to help people.

Moe was an avid Boston sports fan and loved to watch Notre Dame Fighting Irish football games. During his retirement he started each day reading the Boston Globe that was delivered to the house every day since 1984. Moe always had a favorite spot for a good bar pizza, Shephard’s pie, or for a good old BLT.

Robert and Irene (Tierney) were married on June 1, 1956. He was a loving and devoted husband to her for 68 years. They moved to Rockland in 1960 to raise their family. Moe was the loving father of Kevin M. Kelley and his wife Jackie of East Bridgewater, Scott D Kelley, and his wife Lisa of Rockland. He was predeceased by his sons Gregory P. and Brian R. that he loved dearly and always selflessly cared for.

He was the cherished grandfather of Ryan, Meagan, and Shannon Kelley. He was also the brother to Francis (Frank) and the late John (Jack) Kelley and his younger sister Florence (Flo) McGarthy of Rocky Hill, CT. Uncle to Flo’s children Judith, Maureen, Alfred & Daniel. The brother-in-law to the late Jean Tierney and son in law to the late Helen (Connick) and John Tierney.

A Funeral Mass will be held in his honor on Saturday, June 15th at 10 am at Our Lady of the Angels Parish (St. Mary’s Church), 392 Hanover St (Route 139) Hanover. Burial to follow at Holy Family Cemetery in Rockland. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s name can be made to Massachusetts General Hospital Neurology Department, as this was his choice for Gregory and Brian when they passed.