Fr. Arnold E. Kelley

Ordained: 1956
Status: Reinstated

Died: 03/17/2020
Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

An allegation of past abuse at St. Rita’s in Lowell was made in 11/1997. The Diocesan Review Board found no credible evidence and Kelley agreed to move. In 4/2002, the Personnel Committee learned of a second allegation against Kelley. A woman said she reported it to Sr. Rita McCarthy at the time and that McCarthy said there were no other allegations against Kelley. Per the Archdiocese’s 8/2011 list, the allegations were unsubstantiated. Kelley retired without restrictions. In 10/2015 Kelley was a ‘senior priest’ and in residence at All Saints in Haverhill. Accused in suit filed in 4/2016 of abuse of boy, age 10-13, 1973-76 at St.Thomas Aquinas in Jamaica Plain. Alleged abuse include oral sex and sodomy. Kelley denied abuse. Settled in 1/2018. Reportedly died 3/17/2020 in Lawrence, MA although his death is not indicated on the archdiocese’s list in 8/2022.


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