Richard R. Kelly, 60, of Walton, passed away unexpectedly Sunday evening, March 6, 2022 at Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, following a short illness. Rich was born Nov. 30, 1961 in Quincy, Mass., the son of Gerard and Edelgard Kelly Jr. On Aug. 4, 1984, he married the former Mary Torma at Cathedral Farms, Oneonta. He graduated from Mount Assumption Institute, Plattsburgh, Class of 1979. He was a graduate of Clinton Community College, Plattsburgh with a major in business. He also graduated from the Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital Medical Laboratory Technician Program in 1982 and worked at Glens Falls Hospital, Glens Falls. He was a letter carrier at the U.S. Postal Service in Walton for 10 years. He also worked with Joe Richard at Park Studio for many years working on advertising specialties and engravings.
Rich was a generous man with his time and resources. He was a current instructor and previous 911 dispatcher for the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services, and a past president of the Delaware County Fire Police Association. A past president and 33 year member of the Walton Fire Department, he was in his current position as fire police captain for many years. He was president of the Walton Radio Club and a member of the Oneonta Radio Club, and had achieved the level of Extra Class Amateur Radio Operator & VE. He was a member of the Oneonta Sportsmen’s Club and the Broome County Sportsmen’s Club. Rich was a former board member of the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society.
Rich was a proud member and supporter of law enforcement. He was employed as the Walton Police Department clerk and a NYS armed security guard for Securitas at ACCO. He served Delaware County as town of Kortright and town of Hamden constable at the time of his passing and had served as security for the Delaware County office building. He was a Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) master instructor and held several other titles within DCJS.
Rich is survived by his loving family, his wife Mary; his father and mother, Gerard and Edelgard; his brother Gerard Kelly III; his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert and Kathy Brown and Elizabeth Galatioto; nieces Margaret and Mary; and cousins George and Heide King.
He was predeceased by his mother-in-law Margaret Torma, brother-in-law, Carl J. Galatioto and nephew, baby Francis Galatioto.
Relatives and friends were invited to call Sunday, March 13, at the Walton Fire Station, 61 West Street, Walton, from 12 to 2:30 p.m. Services were held at 3 p.m. Rev. Laura Miller officiated.
Donations may be made in Rich’s name to the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, 46610 NY-10, Delhi, NY 13753, or the Walton Radio Club, c/o Frank Falknor, Walton, NY 13856 or the Walton Fire Department, 61 West Street, Walton, NY 13856.
