John Michael Kelley, who was known as Mike, died on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, in his Wellfleet home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Evelyn (Butvilas) Kelley and was 82.
Born on Dec. 7, 1938 in Hartford, Conn., the son of the late George and Harriett B. Kelley, he grew up in Manchester, Conn. and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1957 to 1960. After his discharge from the military, he was employed by Monotypesetting and Vision Studios. In 1966, he formed Concepts Inc., where he served as president and CEO for 50 years. Mike was also involved in multiple business ventures in Connecticut involving graphic design, photography, and printing, such as Consumer Graphics Inc.
After retiring, Mike enjoyed traveling with his wife and family. He was a talented photographer and left beautiful photos to remember shared family times.
Besides his wife, Evelyn, he leaves his daughters, Kimberly K. Foster and husband Eugene of Simsbury, Conn. and Christine A. Kelley of Wellfleet and her fiancé, Carleton Antoine. A sister, Carol Dixon and husband Harry of Salinas, Calif., and sister-in-law, Marie Kelley of Enfield, Conn., also survive him.
He treasured his grandchildren, Ryan Foster and wife Jenni, Miranda and husband Jesse Ouellette, Sean Foster, Kayla Foster, and Shea and Liam Carson, as well as two great-grandchildren, Connor Foster and Lennon Ouellette. Mike has many nephews: Daniel, Steve, and Tim Kelley; James and Thomas Dixon; and Michael Kurtz; and a niece, Kathleen Kelley. He was predeceased by brothers George and Thomas Kelley.
A graveside memorial service will be held in Connecticut at a date to be announced. Donations in Mike’s name to support Merkel Cell Research may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston 02215. Expressions of condolence for the family may be left in the guest book at gatelyfuneralservice.com.
