William A. Kelly

Chicopee- William “Billy” A. Kelly was born in Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland, son of the late George & Mary (Flynn) Kelly. Billy immigrated to the USA in 1989 where he met the love of his life, Sheila Brigid (Murphy) Kelly. After one Saturday-night dance at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club, they knew it was love at first sight. Billy & Sheila were inseparable and a fierce dancing team from that night forward. Most people only dream of a romance such as theirs. Of all Billy’s passions, Soldier in Ireland’s fight for freedom from England, painter, dancer, and storyteller, the last made him a local legend! He was known for his wit, humor, and never-ending supply of stories. He leaves his devoted soul-mate, Sheila B. Kelly (Chicopee), his sister, Irene O’Donnell, and brother-in-law Johnny O’Donnell (Tralee, Ireland), his brother Padraig Kelly and his sister-in-law Marie Kelly (London), many other siblings, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews throughout the USA and Ireland, numerous friends from Donovan’s Irish Pub, Sons of Erin, John Boyle O’Reilly Club, and the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England. We are looking forward to having a pint and dance with you once we meet again. See you after…. Calling hours will be at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home 1043 Westfield Street, West Springfield, MA Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 9am – 12 pm. The Funeral Home Service will be at 12 pm. Burial will follow at Saint Rose De Lima Cemetery, Olsen Street, Chicopee. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Billy’s name to the 1916 Remembrance Garden in Forest Park, 200 Trafton Road, Springfield, MA 01108. For more information please visit www.toomeyobrien.com .