John F. Shelly

John F. Shelly, 71, of Wakefield passed away at home on Sunday, June 2 after a prolonged illness. His wife of 28 years, Lorraine (Pellarin) Shelly was with him at his bedside. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of the late John Shelly and the late Helen (Klemanchuck) Fedorowicz. John spent his adult life as a commercial fisherman "down the Point" for fifty years. In his early years he fished for lobster offshore with his boat the Prelude 2. Later on he switched to inshore fishing with his boat Wiley Fox. He was a diverse fisherman changing over from lobstering to gill netting to fish trapping as the catch species changed with the season. John had an enthusiasm for life that was reflected in his many interests. As a young man he became a commercial pilot crop dusting in Mississippi in a Steerman bi-wing plane. Later in life he joined the South County Radio Control Club building and flying radio controlled planes. He loved horses and dogs, participating in barrel racing and breeding Irish setters and beagles for show and field trials. Called "the rose guy" by people in the neighborhood, he was an active member of the Rhode Island Rose Society for ten years, growing and showing roses. John loved to share his enthusiasm and knowledge of rose culture with anyone who stopped by the house to see the rose garden of 500 roses that he tended. After retiring from commercial fishing in 2013, John spent his summers in northern Maine pursuing his passion for freshwater fishing at his camp on East Grand Lake. We will miss his adventurous spirit and enthusiasm for life. Besides his wife, he is survived by his son Jeff Shelly of Charlestown and his daughter Crystal Shelly of Warwick. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jenna Mairs, Dylan Mairs, Sadie Johnson, and Landen Tillou. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Jill Mairs. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield on Saturday July 20. Visitation begins at noon with the service following at 1pm. A reception will follow at Camdens Restaurant, 756 Kingstown Road, Wakefield