Richard John Kelley

He was born on February 13, 1941 and grew up in Providence, Rhode Island. Richard quit school in 9th grade, in 1956 to further his education at Liberty Pool Hall in South Providence.

He joined the Army in 1960 and was honorably discharged in 1962. Richard went on to be a valet parking cars downtown Los Angeles, before moving to Downey California, where he was a bartender, and then a heavy equipment operator and eventually owned his own Bar - Kelley's Tavern for 44 years. He also (just for fun) bought a tow truck. He enjoyed helping people out, charging very little for the tow, or sometimes nothing. If kids were involved, he always bought them lunch or ice cream. If people were demanding or rude he would just drive away and leave them stranded.

Richard was actively involved in running his business and enjoying friends, drinking cold beer, and shooting pool. He also loved blues music. His favorite thing to do was to make people laugh. Although not everyone thought, he was funny.

His parents Mildred and Tom Kelley preceded Richard in death.

His wife Mary Kelley, stepdaughter Jaclyn Dawley, and grandson Allyn Joaquin survive him.

The family would like to thank the staff at Rock Creek Memory Care for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to K9's For Warriors or Alzheimer's Association.