Martin H. Deely, 82

LEE, Mass. — Martin Henry Deely, 82, of Lee passed from the earth on Sunday, June 26, 2016.

He was born on November 15, 1933, and raised in Lee, the son of John M. Deely and Mary Sedgewick Deely. Mr. Deely believed in and lived a life of family, love, and service. Mr. Deely attended St. Mary’s School in Lee, Cranwell School in Lenox, Mass., and graduated high school from Canterbury School in New Milford, Conn., followed by BA in Literature and American History from Williams College in Williamstown, Mass. and a Masters in Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Deely faithfully served his country for four years, earning the rank of Captain in the United States Air Force.

On August 13, 1960 Mr. Deely married Jessie Doyle. Mr. and Mrs. Deely were devoted to each other. Their great pleasure was travel. They made a promise to each other to see the world together and that they did, visiting each continent at least once. A talented storyteller, Mr. Deely told many tales of their exotic trips through Asia, Africa, Antarctica and other far-flung locales.

Mr. Deely is survived by his wife, Jessie, and their three children, Virginia Deely Halstrom and her husband  Howard Halstrom of Darien, Conn., Michael David Deely of Bethlehem, Pa., and his partner Geralyn Anderson Arango, and Ann Doyle Deely and her partner Richard O’Leary of Lee.

Mr. Deely was a dedicated father and attended nearly all of his children’s sporting and extracurricular events, supporting everyone. He reveled in the adventures of his children, grandchildren, and their friends and was an enthusiastic cheerleader for each. He was often sought out by his family and children’s friends for advice and counsel on matters of education, career, and travel. One of his favorite sayings was “I would not give advice if it weren’t so good!” He helped operate the Tri-Town Youth Hockey Program for several years and loved telling stories about Lake Placid and Canadian youth hockey trips.

Mr. Deely adored his five grandchildren, Hannah Halstrom, Jessie Ann Halstrom, Abigail Deely, Nathaniel Deely and John Deely, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, Philip Deely, Catherine Deely, Pamela Deely, Ann “Poppy” Hahn, Mary Hahn, Ted Hahn, Martin Hahn, and Fritz Hahn.

Mr. Deely was predeceased by his two brothers, James Sedgewick Deely, and John M. Deely, both of Stockbridge, and his sister, Ann Deely Hahn of Fairfield, Conn.

Mr. Deely’s career was dedicated to Lee Lime Corporation. Over his tenure, he ran the family quarry with his father, his brother Jack, his cousin Frank McQuade and later his son Michael, before the business was sold in 1997. Mr. Deely thoroughly enjoyed going to Lee Lime daily to work with the many employees whose family, like his, worked there for generations. During his career, Mr. Deely served in several industry positions, including Vice President and President of the National Lime Stone Association.
Mr. Deely derived satisfaction serving the Town of Lee in many areas. He was elected to four terms as Selectman, collectively holding the office for 12 years. He also served as Vice President of the Massachusetts Selectman Association. Furthermore, he sat on the Lee Planning Board for eight years and was a Town Representative for decades.

Mr. Deely loved politics and was active in the Democratic Party throughout his life. Mr. Deely held numerous Board of Director positons for such organizations as Lee Bank, Freedom Bank, Austen Riggs Center, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, and Berkshire Country Day School.

An avid sports fan, Mr. Deely especially enjoyed attending Lee High School Girls Basketball and Williams College Woman’s Basketball games. He believed that these teams displayed sports at its finest; that the players always showed impeccable teamwork and heart. Mr. Deely enjoyed all types of music from classical to folk. He could often be found in his living room, with the stereo volume turned up, air conducting various musical pieces. He was an enthusiastic patron at Tanglewood each summer.
A skilled card player, Mr. Deely had regular weekly poker and bridge games with his friends for over fifty years.
Mr. Deely will be missed for his warm nature, gregarious sense of humor and fierce devotion to his family. His was a life well led.

Funeral notice: funeral mass for Mr. Deely will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2016, at 4 p.m. at St. Mary's Church in Lee. All are welcome to a celebration of his life and reception at Greenock Country Club, 220 West Park St., Lee, at 5 p.m. on June 30, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to do so may make donations in his memory to benefit the Lee High School Girls Basketball Team in care of the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, Mass. 01238. The burial will be private.