Richard Kelly, with his treasured wife, Piret, by his side holding his hand, passed peacefully away from this world on January 31, 2026. Richard was Piret's beloved husband, Dad to Patrick (Gwenda) and Michael, Grandpa to Kendall, Camryn, Violet, Chaz, and Iris, brother to Robert (Vanessa), brother-in-law to Thomas and Helen Kutt, an uncle, and a dear friend.

He was a wonderful, fun husband to his wife, Piret, for 61 ½ years, and they shared much laughter and joyous times with family. They both had a passion for travelling and spent 60 years travelling the world and always had to have the next adventure planned. He was the devoted father to Patrick and Michael and "the gang of four" hitched up the camper when school was finished for the summer, and camped all across the USA to all 48 states. They also went to the Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, and Europe. He treasured being Grandpa to Kendall, Camryn, Violet, Chaz, and Iris. They were the joy of his life. His memory will live on in the children's travel memories, hiking the high desert in Albuquerque, riding Grandpa's bucking bronco knee to "Annie Oakley" or to one of the many songs he created. He loved playing piano with his "little monkey Hiro" grandson, and dancing with all his granddaughters to ABBA on a cruise ship.

Richard graduated from SUNY Albany with a BA in 1963 and earned his MA in 1964. He taught American History, public policy courses, and college courses as an adjunct Syracuse University professor at Shenendehowa High School. He loved his students and was very proud of their achievements. Whenever he was walking with Piret, inevitably, "Mr. Kelly!" would ring out from a former student. He retired from Shenendehowa after 37 years in July 2001.

Richard cherished all people… his lifelong friends from college, travel friends, and all the students he had to opportunity to teach. You all know the person Richard was, and the heart and love he had for all of you. We are sure Richard is sending love to family, friends, and students and figuring out ways to make you all laugh. To all his students: "focus baby focus", and you are in the "temple of learning". Thank you for all of the love you shared with Richard in his life.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Catricala Funeral Home, 1597 Route 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065

If you'd like to make a donation in memory of Richard, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association online at alz.org, to the City Mission of Schenectady online at citymission.com, or to a charity of your choice.