by Laurel | March 28th, 2012
28 March 1922
John T. Kelly, known as Kelly the Bootblack
John T. Kelly, an Original Character, Died at House of Providence
Holyoke, March 27 — John T. Kelly, 53, better known as “Kelly the bootblack,” died early this morning at the House of Providence Hospital. He had been in failing health for some time. He was born in London, England, coming to this country when young. He conducted bootblack stands on Suffolk and Division Streets and was an original character with a humor entirely his own. He had a very wide acquaintance in the city. He leaves one son, George, in the United States navy, and a sister and nephew in New Haven. The body was removed to Dillon’s funeral parlors.
Adapted from The Springfield Republican.
