Bernard J. Kelley, Jr.

Bernard J. Kelley, Jr. age 94 of Fairfield, beloved husband of the late Jean Griffin Kelley, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 18, 2021 at the Carolton Convalescent Hospital in Fairfield.  Born in Norwalk on February 27, 1927, the son of the late Bernard J. and Kate (Dougherty) Kelley, he was raised in Milford and had been a Milford resident for many years prior to moving to Fairfield 15 years ago.  Bernard graduated from Milford High School and entered the U.S. Army at the end of World War II and served in the occupation force in Japan.  He worked for the U.S. Postal Service retiring after 40 years of dedicated service.  Following his retirement, Bernard worked part-time for A.D.P. for another decade. A gifted athlete, Bernie played baseball and basketball for Milford High and loved to stay active by walking and swimming even in his later years.  He was an avid NY Giants, Cincinnati Reds (The Big Red Machine) and Notre Dame University football fan. He enjoyed traveling with Jean to Cape Cod, CA, FL and Ireland. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his three beloved children, Susan Kelley of Stratford, Maura Kelley of Stratford and Bernard J. Kelley, III and his wife Briana of Fairfield; five cherished grandchildren, Ronald and Patrick Huber, Emma, Jacqueline and Crew Declan Kelley; a sister, Cathline Navin of Suffield and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by sisters, Elaine Reyher, and Patricia Kelley and brothers-in-law, Warren Reyher and John Navin.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 700 Old Stratfield Road, Fairfield.  Interment will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery.  Friends may greet the family Sunday, December 5th from 3-6 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield.  Memorial contributions may be made to: Fairfield Police Benevolent Association 100 Reef Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. The family would like to thank the staff at the Carolton Convalescent Hospital for their care and kindness over the last several years.