BANGOR – Roland W. “Bill” Kelly, 77, died unexpectedly June 30, 2009. He was born Feb. 8, 1932, in Bangor, the son of George A. and Martha T. (McHale) Kelly. Roland attended St. Mary’s School, Bangor and served as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. “Bill,” as he was also known, worked 34 years for the City of Bangor Public Works division in various capacities before retiring in 1994. Many of Bangor’s sidewalks, parks, memorials and historic buildings have a lasting touch of his craftsmanship, earning him the nickname “More brick!” Kelly. Roland was known for his trademark wit, smile and hard work. Striving always to “quote with anyone,” he would fearlessly greet both the unknown and the famous. His generosity and compassion were also immune to bias. He quickly lent his help and support to anyone, just because it was the right thing to do. Roland was passionately devoted to his five children and larger family. Expressing his love often, he carefully imparted right values as life lessons regardless of opposition. Roland enjoyed being with people and lively conversation, and was never shy about his point of view. He loved his Irish heritage and the music of Ireland and was always ready to sing a song when at parties, weddings or family gatherings. Roland touched many lives and always said “we never say ‘goodbye’ we say ‘see you later.” Saying “see you later” and surviving him are his children, Rosalie Shepherd and her husband, Don, of Bangor, George Kelly of West Palm Beach, Fla., Timothy Kelly and his wife, Lisa, of Bangor, Kathleen Tenney and her husband, Carl, of Bangor, and James Kelly and his wife, Sandy, of Falmouth; 13 grandchildren, Joseph, Aaron, Michael, Ryan, Benjamin, Kaitlyn and Jonathan Shepherd, Anne Samli, Nichole Kelly, Ariel and Brandon Tenney, Sarah and Sophia Kelly, 13 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Frances Murray and her husband, Charles, of Indialantic, Fla., Helen Colford, Corena Kelly and Margaret Kelly, all of Bangor; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents; and four brothers, George, who died at two days of age, Lawrence, in 1996, Patrick, in 2006, Father Anthony Kelly, SCJ, in 2007; and his sister, Theresa, in 2008. Family and friends may visit 4-8 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, July 3, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bangor. Burial will be at Mount Pleasant Catholic Cemetery, Bangor, with a time of continued fellowship held afterward in the church center. Condolences may be offered at www.kileyandfoley.com.
ROLAND W. KELLY
