Michael J. Kelly

Michael J. Kelly, 72, of The Villages, Florida, formerly of Rutland, Vermont, passed away on May 24, 2025 at his residence after a long battle with cancer with his wife by his side.

Born on May 24, 1953 in Rutland VT, he was the son of John and Johanna (Ricci) Kelly.
On September 5th, 1981 he married his beloved wife, Jeanie Ley of Rutland, Vermont.  He was employed by GE for 34 years and retired to Florida in 2014.  In 2015 Mike was blessed with an organ donor’s gift enabling his double lung transplant and granting him 10 more years with his wife and family.  Mike was a true warrior and continued to live a full and rewarding life overcoming insurmountable odds.

He spent his childhood growing up in “The Gut”, graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in 1971, and obtained his Bachelor Degree from Castleton State College.  He was very proud of his Irish Italian heritage.

Mike was an avid golfer and enjoyed a healthy competition on the green with his wife and was secretly proud when she would occasionally win. The day he made a hole in one was something to behold.

He also loved playing baseball starting from Mighty Mights through Little League, Babe Ruth, Legion, and High School.  He pitched and played first base.  In later years he enjoyed playing on softball teams with family and friends and was known for his “speed” around the bases.

A renowned trivia buff with a wealth of knowledge on Classic Rock, Sport Statistics and Pop Culture, Mike was always the person you wanted on your team for any trivia competition.
He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.  A kind and easy going person he will be missed by all who knew him.

Mike was predeceased by his mother and father.  Survived by his wife, his brother John Kelly (Rita), sister Elizabeth Champine all of Rutland Vermont, Father and Mother-in-law Robert and Beverly Ley of The Villages, FL, Brother-in-law Michael Ley (Kathy) Clarendon Springs, VT, Brother-in-law Thomas Ley (Jose Acevedo) of St. Petersburg, FL, Sister-in-law Kathleen Shangraw (Burt) Palmetto, FL, as well as many Nieces, Nephews, and Great Nieces.

Funeral Services will be held at Saint Peters Church on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 1:00pm.  Burial will follow at Calgary Cemetery.

“In lieu of flowers, please honor Mike’s memory by making a donation to UF Foundation.  Donations may be mailed to UF Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 14425, Gainesville, FL 32604.  *Please indicate on your gift that it is in “Michael Kelly’s memory, Fund# 008263.”

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland, VT.