Kelly John Ross (May 7, 1961 – May 25, 2026)

“We don’t always have a choice how we get to know one another. Sometimes, people fall into our lives cleanly—as if out of the sky, or as if there were a direct flight from Heaven to Earth—the same sudden way we lose people, who once seemed they would always be part of our lives.” -- John Irving

Kelly John Ross passed away peacefully in Concord, NH on May 25, 2026 at the age of 65. Kelly battled valiantly for over one month of hospitalization. At his bedside during his passing was his caring life partner of 41 years, Melody Baird, and their good friend George Losefsky.

Kelly was born in Berlin, NH on May 7, 1961. He was a proud graduate of Berlin High School, class of 1979. He later graduated from the New Hampshire Vocational Technical College (or as Kelly called it, “Quebec Tech”) with a degree in Culinary Arts. He worked many jobs in the hotel and restaurant industry spanning from Arizona, Florida, Maine, and New Hampshire. Over the past several years, Kelly had a catering business, and he wrote recipe and cooking columns titled Have Chef Will Travel in The Laker, Route 16, Boating on the Lake, and Scenic NH White Mountains newspapers, and he worked for Mount Prospect Academy’s Transportation Department as a Driver. Kelly spent the vast majority of his life in New Hampshire: Berlin, North Conway, Meredith, and Plymouth. He has built countless friendships throughout the state, and beyond. Oh, the stories people have!

Kelly was known for his big belly laughs, wicked sense of humor, huge heart, loving deeply, giving the best bear hugs, and having the ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the world. He had particular soft spots in his big heart for his niece Alyssa, dogs, and people with special needs. He was very social by nature and loved being part of any gathering; think parties, sporting events, or rock concerts. It was impossible to miss Kelly’s presence. He could quickly change the dynamics of any room once he entered, usually for the better. Even if that room was Fenway Park. Kelly was a sports fanatic, and a rabid fan of the Red Sox, Bruins, and Packers. He was also loved music. Loud music. Mostly metal, rock, and punk. It would be difficult to find anyone who has been to more concerts and venues than Kelly.

Kelly is survived by his devoted partner Melody Baird; his father Roderick Ross and wife Debbie; his brother Barry Ross and wife Sharon; his brother in law Rick Gervais; his sisters Wendy Ross Nalbandian and husband Allen, Jodi Tarantino and partner Rick, and Jill Pellerin and husband Brian; nieces Kristine Dietrich, Alyssa Gervais, and Nina Koravos; nephews, Dylan and Ross Nalbandian, Ben and Owen Pellerin, and Alexander Koravos; uncles Rusty Ross and wife Marcia, and Rich Ross and wife Nancy; his aunt Joan Landry; first cousins Mark Landry and wife Beth, Christine Landry, Renee Landry, Kimberly Poirier and husband Gary, Keith Ross, Trevor Ross, and Brandy O’Maera and husband Ian. There are numerous other cousins and extended family of whom Kelly was very close, with a special acknowledgment to his dear Aunt Simone Lariviere. Kelly is predeceased by his mother Sally (Eagle) Forbes; his sister Tammy (Ross) Gervais; his grandparents Charles Ross and Julia (Oleson-Ross) Finnson, Joseph and Yvette (Dupuis) Premo, and Harry Eagle; and his four-legged canine children Luther, Fenway, Wrigley, Malcolm, and Rosie.

The family offers special thanks to the medical team at Concord Hospital, and to those who visited and provided comfort to Kelly during his final days: George Losefsky, Jim & Josie Brannen, Mark & Carol Sylvestre, Leo Landers, John-Scott Sherburne, Derrick Nelson, Rick Gervais, Alyssa Gervais, Rich & Nancy Ross, and Rusty Ross. We especially thank Melody Baird for the love, affection, and attention she has provided to Kelly over the years, through good times and struggles. Kelly has a wide network of friends, many who he considered family, and his passing is a big loss to all. Whether you know him as Chef Kelly, Coach Kelly, Ump Kelly, Chauffeur Kelly, Meatloaf Kelly, Metal Kell, or Kell-Dog, or Danny Partridge, we appreciate you for making his life fulfilled.

Per Kelly’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. A Memorial/Celebration of Life is being planned. The date and details will be announced when finalized. We know the key people to help spread the word. 

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.