Eugene Paul Kelley of Martha’s Vineyard, formerly of Milton, passed away peacefully at home on July 10, 2024 at the age of 85 surrounded by his loving family.

Gene was raised in Dorchester and is an alumnus of Newman Preparatory School and Babson College. He worked in the construction industry for 48 years, initially at Solimando Construction and later as the president of Boston Building and Bridge Corporation in Milton, MA where he oversaw the repair and construction of bridges, schools, public housing projects and other public works projects. He also developed properties on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Gene ventured into the restaurant business in the mid- seventies in partnership with family members with the purchase of Durgin-Park restaurant. He served as president for 31 years.

The focus of his life was his beloved, “Chetta” who he met at Newman Preparatory School in Boston when he was 18. He devoted himself to her entirely during the 62 years they were married.

His most salient quality was his generous nature, a hallmark of his character, which came naturally to him and which he exhibited in abundance throughout his life towards his family and friends.

An astute businessman and consummate role model for all of his children and extended family, Gene had boundless energy and drive managing his construction business during the week then leaping into the fray of the chaotic kitchen during Saturday night rush. He recognized the significance of the restaurant’s history and ensured that Durgin-Park preserved its well-loved offerings, décor and distinctiveness.

He was dapper and stylish, immaculately turned out in his Borselinos. He was mischievous and fun and lived life out-of-the box, and to the fullest. He travelled extensively with his family and as a member of the Ancient and Artillery Company of MA. He loved boating, horseback riding, skiing and riding fast cars and motorcycles. He was full of personality and humanity and easily found common ground with everyone. He loved to tell stories, and to the delight of his listeners, he infused them with expression and humor. For decades he lived summers on Martha’s Vineyard where he thrilled his grandchildren in his red Suzuki jeep with beach-bound, bumpy rides through Tashmoo Wood, dug for clams, and masterfully dished up his catch—heaping plates of spaghetti with clam sauce and stuffed quahogs to his impressed guests and neighbors. His whole life he was an avid reader of Michner, Follet, and Mailer.

He was the beloved son of Martin Kelley, Sr. and Helen (Blondon) Kelley both of Dorchester, MA and brother Martin E. Kelley Jr. of Squantum all who predeceased him, and Kevin Kelley (Maria) of Norwell. He was the devoted husband of Chetta Kelley of Martha’s Vineyard; extraordinary father of Seana Kelley (Barry Patterson) of Milton and Martha’s Vineyard, MA; Eugene P. Kelley, Jr. (Meg Hannigan) of Canton; Heather Carr (Michael) of Hanover, MA and Jonathan Kelley who predeceased him of Milton. Father-in-law of Jackie Kelley. Loving grandfather of Alexandra Kelley-Miller, Sophie and Rachael Chase; Geno, Justin, Mary and Emily Kelley, and Madeline and Michael Carr and great grandfather to Isla, Charlotte and Nora Kelley.

He also leaves behind his brother-in-law and partner, Michael Solimando (Robin) of Marshfield; and many beloved nieces and nephews of the Cashman, Solimando and Kelley families, and his wonderful caregiver Rebecca Hall.

Visitation in the Chapman Funerals and Cremations, 56 Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs, Friday, July 12 from 4 to 7pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Agatha Church, 432 Adams Street, Milton, Thursday July 18 at 10:30 am. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Wednesday 4-7 PM. Interment Milton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Wounded Warriors Family Support Initiative. https://wwfs.org/donate/