John L. Kelland

John Laurence Kelland (Larry) was born in East Orange, New Jersey, in 1938. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Livingston, New Jersey, where he graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in Caldwell. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University and a Ph.D. in Entomology from Princeton University.

Following his graduation, Larry began his career teaching science at the University of Toronto and Finch College in New York City. He later changed paths, earning a Master’s in Library Science from Queens College. His career as a librarian took him to the Universities of Georgia and Clemson before he settled at the University of Rhode Island, where he served as Head Research Librarian for more than 30 years.

A longtime resident of Wakefield, Rhode Island, Larry was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County in Peace Dale. He maintained a lifelong passion for science, nature, and the environment.

Larry was known for his peaceful, quiet demeanor and gentle spirit, qualities that endeared him to all who knew him. He was devoted to his family and treasured the time he spent with them.

He is survived by his brother, David Kelland, and his sister, Betsy Koehler, as well as his nieces Karen Coyle, Beth Forlander, and Jennifer Kelland, and nephews Jeff and Mark Kelland.

He will be remembered with love for his kindness, intelligence, and calm presence.