Raymond S. Kelley, Sr., 72, of Northfield Falls and formerly of Montpelier died at his home with his family at his side Friday evening, December 19, 2008. He was born on March 25, 1936, the son of Mini Laura King from Waterbury , VT. On August 22, 1958 he married Mary E. Manning. Ray had a very full and rewarding career working with low income families in the Central Vermont area. He spent his working life in different agencies helping others. Ray was a member of the Montpelier Elks Club. He served in the Montpelier Fire Department first as a Call Firefighter and later as a regular from Jan. 4, 1968 to May 1, 1973, Montpelier City Council, Montpelier Police Department where he served as "Special Police", Deputy Sheriff for Washington County , and he helped start the Community Action Council and Vermont Head Start Program. Ray was Santa Claus for many low income families throughout Central Vermont. He also coached Farm League and Little League Baseball. Ray worked for many years for the State of Vermont until August 1998 when he retired due too ill health. He ran the Vermont Emergency Fuel Assistance Program while working with the Department of Social Welfare. Ray spent many winter nights making sure low income Vermonters had properly running and furnaces and fuel. He enjoyed spending time with his family. Family was very important to him. During the summer months the family would go camping, fishing, and for long rides together. Ray enjoyed going to hunting camp and playing cards with his friends. Survivors include his wife Mary of 50 years, seven children; Raymond Kelley, Jr. and his wife Tammy of Northfield, Kathleen Codling and her husband Paul of Marshfield, Martin Kelley and his wife Julie of Berlin, Kevin Kelley of Northfield, Daniel Kelley and companion Sheila Richardson of Bemidji, MN, Percy Kelley and his wife Wendy of Northfield Falls, and Caroline Kelley of Northfield. Nine grandchildren; Jonathan and his wife Rebecca, Jason, Jenifer, Justin, Katelyn, John, Mary, Andrew, and Elyse; two step grandchildren, Jeffrey and Jason; one great granddaughter, Lydia; and a sister, Mary Esther Hollingworth of Il. He is also survived by Arthur and Arlene Manning of Montpelier , William and Yvonne Manning of Northfield , Francis and Hester Manning of Montpelier , Thomas Manning of Montpelier , Raymond and Tina Manning of Northfield , Theresa Brooks, of Meriden , CT , Anne and David Rogers of Marshfield , Elaine and H. Ross Isham of Moretown. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to express sincere thanks to the nurses at the Central Vermont Hospital-Intensive Care Unit and the Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice. Calling hours will be held at Guare & Sons Funeral Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier from 5:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 23, 2008. A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vermont Community Action- fuel assistance program, 195 US Route 302- Berlin , Barre , VT 05641-2267. Those wishing to express private online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com and go to Ray's obituary.