Kelly Dawson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kelly Dawson, age 62, on August 27, 2024. Kelly spent most of his life in Chicopee, Massachusetts and most recently lived in St. Mary’s, Georgia.

Kelly was born on January 25, 1962 in Springfield, MA to Donna and Ronald Dawson. His childhood was spent playing with siblings and cousins in the South End of Springfield, memories he shared fondly throughout his life.

Kelly graduated from Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical High School in Springfield, MA in 1979 and went on to join the US Coast Guard and later joined the US Air Force, where he proudly served for over 20 years, retiring as an E-7 Master Sergeant. His military career allowed him to explore the world, including an assignment in Germany in the early 1980s. Kelly eventually transitioned from active duty to the reserves, and had a fulfilling civilian career in telecommunications. He spent 15 years at Comlink/Executone where he made many lifelong friends. He was also a proud small business owner of ITS Pros, which he owned with his wife, Rose. While working full time and raising a family, Kelly earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Westfield State University, and later an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Outside of his career, Kelly was known for his zest for life. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and spending time with the people he loved. He was also an avid Patriots fan. Kelly’s storytelling and sense of humor were hallmarks of his personality. Friends and family often joked that Kelly would share the same story over and over again, with each retelling as enthusiastic as the first. His ability to laugh at himself and make others laugh was a true gift, and his anecdotes and infectious laughter were a source of happiness for all who knew him.

Kelly’s greatest joy was his family, especially his beloved wife, Rose. Kelly and Rose were truly the best of friends, dancing through life together for over 20 years. They enjoyed walks on the beach, cruising around the Caribbean, and enjoying all of life’s happy moments together. He also leaves behind his daughters, Liz O’Mahoney (Damien) and Heather Dawson. Kelly joked that he used to have hair, until he had daughters, but he loved them both immeasurably. He was also a proud step-father to Dennis Ravelli (Jill) and Toni-Marie Gillette-Sylvester (Chris) and a loving and devoted Papi to five grandchildren: Lillian and Anthony Ravelli, Nicholas and Makayla Gillette, and Zachary Sylvester. Kelly also leaves behind his father and step-mother, Ronald and Kathy Dawson, and three beloved siblings, Len Dawson (Ruth), Ron Dawson, and Lori Brodeur (Jeff), along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Kelly was predeceased by his mother, Donna Dawson, and his first wife, Kathy Dawson.

The family would like to recognize and thank the amazing team of healthcare professionals in the ICU at the University of Florida Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL, who cared deeply for Kelly throughout his illness.

A celebration of Kelly’s life will be planned and shared in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers and in honor of his commitment to the veteran community and love for dogs, donations in his memory can be made to the Fisher House Foundation or the MSPCA.