Thursday, November 20, 2025
As Communications Director and previously as Regional Director for Not Dead Yet, as Executive Director for Second Thoughts Massachusetts, and as the Chair of Boston Disability Advisory Commission, John’s expert knowledge and unwavering dedication to his work for disability rights motivated all who worked with or alongside him to do the same, and to keep going when the going got tough, which it often has.
With the Kelly family’s permission, a brief excerpt from the forthcoming obituary sheds more light on John’s life and legacy:
In January of 1984 John had a sledding accident that left him a high quadriplegic for the rest of his life. In the coming years John became involved in disability rights issues in the Boston area where he lived…In 2012 the city of Boston and Mayor Thomas Menino declared July 26, 2012, John B. Kelly Day in the city of Boston, recognizing John for his ongoing efforts on behalf of the disabled community.
Please see the following links for a glimpse into John’s brilliant witness:
John Kelly Doctor Prescribed Suicide
Disability Connection – July 2017
John Kelly discusses film “Me Before You” on Neighborhood Network News
Additional announcements will be made in conjunction with the Kelly family’s wishes about contributions to John’s legacy and we will share details about the upcoming memorial service to be held in January 2026 to celebrate the life – the incomparable life – of John Kelly, as we receive further information from the family.
John, you are irreplaceable and we will miss you more than words could ever say. In your honour, as in Diane’s before you, we will continue to lead on and will never, ever, give up this fight.
Our deepest condolences to the Kelly family, to John’s dear friends and cherished colleagues.
Sincerely,
Ian McIntosh, Executive Director, Not Dead Yet
