As expected, Lee E. Kelley died — this is for you, Lee.
Lee E. Kelley, age 91, passed away on June 9, 2026, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt., with his family by his side.
As usual, Lee greets you with a smile and the statement “beautiful day,” talks current events and some tales, and then wishes you well and to be positive.
Lee was born on September 9, 1934, in Montpelier, Vt., to the late Levi E. Kelley and Ruth E. Kelley. Lee was predeceased by his wife, Hilda Goodhue Kelley, whom he married in 1962; his stepson Stephen E. Hurlbut; his older brothers, Frank, Jerome and David Kelley; and his younger sister, Nancy Kelley Dos Santos.
He is survived by his three biological children, Kim Kelley and Keith Kelley of Phoenix and cherished youngest daughter Kathleen Nelson and her husband, Rick, of Phoenix. He is also survived by his stepson Timothy Hurlbut, Esquire and his significant other, Lisa Root; grandson, Kyle Taylor, and Kyle’s wife, Emily, and their child, Calvin, of St. Albans, Vt.; and a beloved granddaughter, Desiree Hurlbut of Los Angeles. Lee leaves close friend Leslie Kiley; his good friend and brother-in-law, Toni Dos Santos of Los Angeles County; Toni’s children, Kelly and Toni; other nieces and nephews, Dave, Mike, Susan, Ian and Kevin Kelly; and his sister-in-law, Martha Kelly, and her daughters, Kathleen and Christina. Lee is survived by Steve Hurlbut’s partner of many years, Dr. Kate Moran, PhD, professor at University of Victoria, British Columbia, and president and CEO of Ocean Network Canada. Thank you to his nephew Michael Kelley of Swanton, Vt., for care and attention during Lee’s last years.
Lee attended Montpelier High School. He joined the U.S. Air Force at an early age. Lee was employed as a Burlington and St. Albans police officer, had numerous positions at the Saint Albans Messenger, and ended his working career as a Vermont state alcohol and drug abuse counselor.
Lee’s hair turned white at a very early age; however, he died with a full head of white hair. He is well known by acquaintances as the white-haired guy who ran up and down Fairfield Hill, waving to people as they passed.
Lee and Hilda raised Steve and Tim Hurlbut at Stanley Court in St. Albans City. Lee, along with Hilda, always emphasized education to the boys. Lee’s mantra was “One thing they can’t take away from you in this world is your education.” Steve was an engineer, attending the U.S. Air Force Academy and the University of Vermont, obtaining an engineering degree, then attending the University of Rhode Island and graduating with a postgraduate degree in ocean engineering before practicing ocean engineering with an emphasis on research and computer programing until his demise at a relatively young age. Tim has a business/accounting degree from UVM and a law degree from the University of New Hampshire School of Law. Tim has practiced law for more than 45 years in St. Albans.
At Lee’s request, there will be no visitation, and his family will conduct a celebration of his life privately and at their convenience. His ashes will be scattered with his wife Hilda’s ashes in a location which is the best spot in Franklin County, which is, however, required to be a family secret.
Based on Lee’s love and respect for the community, as expressions of sympathy or celebration of his life please consider a deductible contribution to Hard’Ack, Inc., c/o Tim Hurlbut, 375 Lake Rd., St. Albans, VT 05478.
Assisting Lee’s family is the Heald Funeral Home of St. Albans. Rett has a story about Lee’s first attempt to contract Heald’s services, as Lee said: “To pay for his last trip.”
To send Lee’s family a message of condolence, kindly go to healdfuneralhome.com.