John "Jack" Kiley

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, John “Jack” Kiley, of Worcester, on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 with the ones he loved gathered at his bedside. 

Jack was born in Worcester, on July 1^st, 1934, the son of John J Kiley, Sr., and Alice Kiley.  Raised and educated in Grafton, he graduated from Grafton High School and joined the U.S. Marine Corps serving his country proudly. Upon discharge from active duty, he returned home, met the “love of his life” and partner for the next 61 years, Eva Celularo. The two were married in 1960 at Our Lady of Mt Carmel church. Eva and Jack settled in Worcester and spent the next 61 years, devoted to each other and their family. Jack was all about family, especially his grandchildren. Jack never missed an activity in which his children or grandchildren were involved. His pride showed in his exuberance when discussing his family.  

Jack worked many years for the R. Gordon Trucking Company before retiring. Not able to just cease doing something, he found pride and enjoyment as a school bus route driver, safely transporting children in the Hopkinton and Worcester School Systems.  Notably, those children still remember and keep in touch with him. He made the ride so enjoyable, and they looked forward to it each morning. 

Jack is survived by his love, Eva; his two daughters, Paula Kiley and her companion, Anthony Carpino of Millbury,  Pamela Donovan, and her husband William of Sutton; four beautiful grandchildren he cherished, Kylie, Abigail, Emily, and T.J.; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Thomas O’Leary whom he was raised with as a brother predeceased him.

Jack was a member of Our Lady of Loreto Church and the Teamsters Local 170. An enthusiastic coin collector, Jack was extremely knowledgeable on each and every kind of coin.  He always looked forward to a numismatic or special sale and made sure to give everyone he met a special penny for good luck.   He was a member of the New England Association of Numismatic Coin Collectors. An avid sports fan, he played basketball in his youth and followed all kinds of sports today. Jack was also instrumental in creating the Catholic School Girls’ Basketball league out of Venerini Academy in the 1970’s. The league is still running today. Jack and Eva had a love of travel. They traveled to all 50 states and many European countries. One of their favorite hobbies was traveling to different baseball stadiums to take in a game and enjoy experiencing the venue. Jack had a zest for life and lived his life to the fullest. 

Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Monday, May 17^th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  His funeral will be held Tuesday, May 18^th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37, Massasoit Rd, where his Mass will be held at 10:00 am. Burial with Marine Honors will follow in St Johns Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name can be made to St. Jude Children’s research hospital, 501 St Jude Way, Memphis, TN.