The Connecticut high school football community is mourning the death of Jude Kelly, a legendary coach who spent five decades building winning programs and mentoring generations of young athletes.
Kelly died Saturday after a short illness at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the football field.
Kelly won 248 games and four state championships during his distinguished career. He coached at East Catholic in Manchester, Southington High School, and St. Paul in Bristol before retiring in 2019.
In 2021, he returned from retirement to help restart the football program at Weaver High School in Hartford, stepping away again in 2022 after guiding the team through its rebuilding phase.
At East Catholic High School, Kelly compiled a 61–33 record after taking over the program in 1979.
He led the team to CIAC Class M championships in 1983, 1986, and 1987, establishing himself early as a program builder.
He later moved to Southington High School, where he posted a 115–62–2 record and guided the Blue Knights to a Class LL state championship in 1998.
In 2005, he accepted a new challenge at St. Paul Catholic High School, rebuilding a struggling program and winning 70 games over 15 seasons.
Former players and colleagues consistently describe Kelly as a mentor whose influence extended far beyond wins and losses.
Jon Esmail, one of his former players, remembered Kelly as a builder of men, programs, and community.
He emphasized that Kelly taught his players how football mirrored life, instilling discipline, teamwork, and character.
Tim Feshler, who played for Kelly and later coached under him, said Kelly created family environments within his teams.
He described Kelly as a constant presence who offered unconditional support, guidance, and mentorship.
According to Feshler, Kelly made every player feel welcomed and valued, reinforcing bonds that lasted long after their playing days ended.
Kelly’s coaching tree reflects his lasting impact. Dozens of his former players went on to become coaches themselves, carrying forward the lessons he taught.
Tony Mazzarella Sr., who coached alongside Kelly, said Kelly set a standard of character and behavior and connected with players in subtle but powerful ways.
Frank Stamilio, a longtime assistant coach, credited Kelly with teaching life lessons through football and serving as a mentor and father figure.
Among the athletes Kelly helped develop was Byron Jones, who advanced from St. Paul to play at University of Connecticut and later starred in the NFL.
Kelly took pride in nurturing talent while emphasizing personal growth and education.
Kelly’s passion for teaching also extended into the classroom. A graduate of Wethersfield High School, he played football at Southern Connecticut State University and began his coaching career there.
He later earned a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut. Former student Shashwat P. Baxi remembered Kelly as both a teacher and coach who made even the most inexperienced players feel valued.
He credited Kelly with helping him find belonging and confidence during his early high school years.
Kelly’s final coaching chapter came at Weaver High School, where he returned to revive a dormant football program.
The junior varsity team went 8–1 in 2021, and Kelly coached his last varsity season in 2022.
In a 2021 interview, he explained that his motivation centered on daily improvement and teaching life skills, calling high school football one of the best elements of education.
The Southington football community publicly honored Kelly’s passing, recognizing his 17-year tenure and his role in building a culture of excellence that continues to shape the program.
Tributes poured in from former players, coaches, and community members who described him as a gentle, devoted mentor who changed lives.
Kelly leaves behind his life partner, Norma Kendrick, and a large extended family, including children and grandchildren.
Kendrick described him as a man committed to making the world better and living by his guiding principle: leaving every place better than he found it. Funeral arrangements for Kelly are pending.
The death of Jude Kelly marks the loss of a coaching icon, but his influence endures through the countless players and coaches he inspired.
His commitment to character, community, and compassion ensures that his legacy will continue to shape Connecticut high school football for generations.
