Bert J. Kelley, a dedicated police officer, public servant, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the age of 92. Bert’s life was a shining example of devotion to his country, community, and family.
Born in Boston, Bert was the son of Albert Kelley and Charlotte Priestley. He grew up in Burlington, a small, rural farming community at the time, and was a proud member of the Burlington High School Class of 1950, which numbered just 30 students. A gifted athlete, Bert excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, earning a place in the Burlington High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. After high school, he pursued his dream of playing professional baseball by trying out for the St. Louis Cardinals and Brooklyn Dodgers Major League Baseball teams. However, the Korean War intervened, and Bert bravely answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Navy in April 1952. Upon his discharge in 1954, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for his service.
Bert’s commitment to his community was unwavering. He served in the Burlington Police Department from 1955 to 1967, earning numerous commendations for meritorious service. His sense of duty continued as he served two terms as a Selectman in the 1980s, playing a pivotal role in bringing the Lahey Clinic and the Marriott to Burlington, helping to shape the town into the vibrant community it is today. Bert was also an elected Constable for many years and devoted his time to coaching youth sports, including Burlington Pop Warner and Babe Ruth leagues, instilling a love of sports and teamwork in the next generation. As a member of the Burlington Knights of Columbus, Bert demonstrated his dedication to both faith and service.
His passion for golf kept him active, and he played the game he loved into his later years, even earning a hole-in-one while golfing with his son at the Indian Mound Golf Club, where he was a member for 30 years. Bert also participated in numerous charity golf tournaments, including the Burlington Golf Classic, furthering his legacy of service to others.
Throughout his extraordinary life, Bert was known for his unwavering love for his family, his dry wit, his engaging personality, and his remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel valued. He was a natural leader, a true patriot, and a friend to all. Bert was the embodiment of kindness, strength, and grace, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bert’s most cherished role was as a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Jane, whom he met at a party after returning from the military and joining the Burlington Police Department. Together, they shared 69 years of love, service, and happiness, building a wonderful family and creating countless memories. Bert was a dedicated father, offering his children guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed to know his warmth, strength, and generosity.
Bert J. Kelley’s life was one of service—first to his country, then to his community, and always to his family. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
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