Richard Thomas Kelly Jr, died in his sleep June 29, 2022. He passed peacefully in the loving care of his wife Lucille. With Lucille’s strength beside him, Richard had struggled with Lewy Body Dementia, a progressive brain and body disease with no known cure.
Born in Detroit on April 4, 1942, to Richard T. Kelly & Colette M. Dole, Richard Thomas Kelly, Jr. was the first of three children. He quickly stepped into his first child, responsible role and cleared the path for his younger sister and brother. His early life in Wyandotte, Michigan was filled with school, sport, and service to country and community. In grade school he attended St. Patrick’s; then on to Lincoln Jr. High; Roosevelt High School; and on to WCC for college. He was an avid sports fan who had a knack for remembering scores, players, team stats, and building sought after sports collectibles. Richard both played and coached hardball, softball, and ice hockey into his early adulthood. He also built one of the finest private collections of Red Wing Hockey memorabilia. He energetically introduced his collection to others who, like himself, were interested, curious or passionate. His generosity continued as he began to give away the valuable collectibles of Hall of Famers like Gordie Howe, Alex Delvecchio, Ted Lindsay, and more. Richard also served in the Air National Guard, and as a Board Trustee for Brownstown Township, MI, a community where he lived, engaged, and made a difference. After retiring from the Michigan Wayne County Road Commission, he and his wife Lucille, also a Michigan native, pulled up roots and re-established themselves in a home on a lake in Fairfield Glade (FFG), in Crossville, Tennessee. Immersed in nature by the lake, rolling hills and woodlands, Richard made certain the feeders were full for visiting birds, and the deer had a safe place to nourish. A spiritual couple, active in A Course in Miracles, they continued to enjoy their spiritual journey by joining a group in FFG where Richard facilitated Course in Miracle
sessions for the FFG Community, every Thursday. Those who knew Richard also knew he was an enthusiastic card player who made friends playing Pinochle and Euchre in the FFG Community and other parts of Tennessee. In addition to Lucille Kelly, his loving wife, Richard leaves behind a long list of caring family members including children: Cynthia Keene (Dennis), Stephen Solnikowski, Michael Solnikowski (Maria), 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren; his sister Lenore Bercu (Bernard), their children: David Bercu (Sherry), Stephanie Bovee (Ken), Dan Bercu (Laura), Tracy Bercu (Peter
Weinstein); and his brother Terrence Kelly (Catherine); their children Kevin (Rachel Tripathy); Ryan; and, 2 great nephews. He also had three children, Kregg, Mark and Amy Kelly.
Scheduled services will be held at Fairfield Glade Community Church on September 10 th at 10am with a reception lunch afterwards. Donations can be made in Richard’s honor to: Alzheimer’s TN; East TN Office http://www.alzTennessee.org