Richard F. Kelly

A Memorial Mass for Richard F. Kelly, age 81, of Silver Springs, FL, and formerly of Ogdensburg, NY, will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 1:00 PM at St. Mary's Cathedral, with Rev. Joseph Morgan officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Mr. Kelly passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Lady Lake, Florida.

Mr. Kelly loved his family and made every effort to attend the important family events. Richard is survived by his children, Richard W. Kelly and his wife, Vicki, of Ocklawaha, FL; Shannon Baker of Ogdensburg, NY; Kathleen Kelly Sinan and her husband, Maury, of Cranberry Township, PA; his grandchildren, Megan Dwyer and her husband, Matthew, of Pennsylvania, Matthew Kelly and his wife, Jessica, of Idaho, Michael Kelly of Illinois, Madison Sinan of Indiana, Mary Sinan of Pennsylvania, Morgan Sinan of Pennsylvania; a great grandson, Theodore Dwyer; and a sister, Karen Parsons and her husband, Richard, of Childwold, NY. He is also survived by a special cousin, Laura Rocco of Maryland.

He was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Audrey Kelly, and a son-in-law, Tim Baker.

Richard was born on October 22, 1943, in Potsdam, NY, and grew up in Norfolk, NY, the son of the late Francis W. and Audrey L. (Spotswood) Kelly. He completed his early education at Norwood-Norfolk Central School, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965 and a Master of Science degree in 1970 from the State University College in Potsdam, NY. He also pursued advanced administrative studies at Potsdam College, SUNY Cortland, and St. Lawrence University in Canton.

Mr. Kelly began his professional career in education at St. Lawrence Central School in Brasher Falls, teaching until 1968. That year, he accepted the position of elementary principal at Parishville-Hopkinton Central School. In July 1971, he became elementary principal at Morrisville-Eaton Central School, located in the college community of Morrisville, NY. His career continued to progress as he assumed the superintendency at Harrisville Central School in July 1975, and later served as Superintendent of Colton-Pierrepont School beginning in 1980, later serving Pembroke and finally retiring from Candor Central School. Mr. Kelly touched many lives throughout his career as a teacher and a school administrator.

Richard married Valerie A. Vigue, who he is also survived by. Although the couple later separated, together they had three children and maintained a close relationship throughout the years.
Outside of his professional life, Richard was an avid camper for many years, enjoying camping trips in the Adirondacks and New England states, and eventually Lake Waldena in Silver Springs, FL. He loved spoiling the many dogs he had over the years, most recently, his constant companion, Lily Rose, who passed in the springtime. Richard also enjoyed golfing with friends. He kept in regular contact by telephone, and you could always expect a call on your birthday. Richard was actively involved in his community through various organizations including but not limited to, the Elks Club, Rotary International, and the Moose Lodge in Ogdensburg. He also served as a board member for such entities as Canton Potsdam Hospital, Lewis County Hospital, the St. Lawrence County Planning Board, and the New York State Public Health Board.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's memory to the Potsdam Humane Society, 17 Madrid Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13676 or the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club, PO Box 555, Ogdensburg, NY 13669.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.