James Lawrence Kelly, 60, of Glendale died Sunday afternoon, Sept. 24, as a result of an automobile accident.
James was born in Pittsfield on June 1, 1957, the son of the late J. Thomas and Flora Cardinali Kelly. Jim was raised and educated in Lee. He grew up in a large Irish family and was proud of his Irish heritage. From an early age, Jim loved to tinker with bikes and small machines, eventually going on to become an auto mechanic, owning and operating Lee Auto for many years. Jim was employed by the Cranwell Spa and Golf Resort where he worked as a grounds mechanic. After many years together, Jim married the former Patricia Gennari on Sept. 2, 2001. She also died on Sunday from injuries sustained in the automobile accident (see accompanying obituary). In nearly 30 years together, they touched many lives. Jim was a history buff and especially interested in the Civil War. He also enjoyed playing racquetball at the Berkshire West Athletic Club. He had a passion for music and was a talented musician, especially on the piano. Jim and Pat enjoyed traveling together, working on projects around their house, watching the wildlife around their yard and especially playing KENO.
Jim leaves behind his daughter Maura Stanton and husband William of Lee; and his step-daughters Amy Scirocco and husband Fabio of Chicopee and Heidi Rauscher of Pittsfield. In addition, he leaves his four brothers Gerald Thomas and wife Ann of Lenox, Robert Michael and wife Kathi of Pittsfield, Kevin Joseph and wife Patricia of Boston and Matthew Martin of Lee; and three sisters Mary Horton and husband Chris of Pittsfield, Suzanne Kelly Salinetti of Lee and Kathleen Kelly-Curtin and George Fleischner of Lee. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Jasper, Mya and Michael.      .
In keeping with Jim and Pat’s wishes, there will be no services but a celebration of their lives will be held Saturday, Sept. 30, at the mansion at Cranwell from noon to 3 p.m. All are invited to stop by and share their memories and stories about Jim and Pat. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238. To leave a message of condolence or share pictures, visit www.kellyfuneralhome.net.
