John B. Kelly

John Brian Kelly, also known as “Jack,” age 60, passed away on Sunday January 11, 2026 at his home in Bartlett, NH. John was born On February 13, 1965 to the late Peter Kelly and Joanna (Libby) Kelly in Waltham , Massachusetts. He moved to Jackson, NH as a toddler, grew up in the valley, and then went on to graduate from Kenneth High School in 1983. He attended the 78th session of the NH Police Academy and worked for the Carroll County Sheriffs Department and later became Sergeant of the Town of Jackson Police Department. When Chief John Moulton retired, he became Chief of Police for many years. He loved his community and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. He concluded his life dedicating the past 13 years to the Grand Sumitt Hotel in Bartlett, NH, where he created several friendships. He thought of his coworkers as his work family. He will be sadly missed by his team. John was the proud father to his beautiful daughters, Abigail Lautenschlager (and her husband, Michael Lautenschlager) and Bella-Rose Kelly. He was Papa to his grandchildren Emerson, Brooks, and Brody Lautenschlager. He loved his family and was super proud of all of their accomplishments. He kept them close to his heart at all times and instilled the qualities of hard work, perseverance, strength, and resilience to each of them. John lived a life full of adventure and was most passionate about his skiing career. He was graceful on the slopes and would find a sense of peace, serenity, and tranquility whenever he connected his skis to the powder. As a young teenager, John would thrive to attack Tuckermans Ravine after a fresh snowfall, the back side of Wildcat after hours, and any other off the beaten trail of Black Mountain or local ski areas. He loved participating in the Cranmore Mountain Meisters on an annual basis and was a force to be reckoned with,for sure! His most cherished moment was helicopter skiing in British Columbia with several of his dear friends. He was always fashionable with his groovy ski outfits of the 1980s and his pink Rossignol boots that lasted a life time. They were classic! His best friend, Edward “Ted” Ferry, shared several photos let alone “epic moments” of their childhood that brought a comforting smile to all of his family after John’s passing. He brought him back to life and we are forever grateful. He described many outings including camping at their favorite Black Mountain Cabin, hiking to the top of Kia Sage Mountain, and skiing Tucks. After high School, John traveled to Florida and worked on a fishing boat which provided him with many life learned lessons and skills. He then traveled across country stopping in several states to enjoy the scenery while making his way to Lake Tahoe. He found work at a local restaurant and of course would ski and enjoy the beauty of out west! Eventually, he found his way back home to the valley as it was very dear to his heart. He would buy his 1970 green Chevy pick up which he treasured for many years! He loved bartending and could be found talking to the locals at Christmas Farm Inn, Up Country, and eventually at the Crawford house later named the Tap House at the Grand Summit! He was a very humble, proud, polite, hard working, and compassionate gentleman. He would tell stories of his father and how he loved to care for their cows and horses at the Kendall’s family barn in Jackson. He had a great sense of humor and always had a witty response that would make you think twice! During his spare time, you could catch John watching the Celtics, Bruins, or New England Patriots. He was truly a loyal fan and did not want to miss a game. If he wasn't watching a game, he would be captivated by a movie from his good ol’ DVD/VHS collection of over 100 movies. I know it’s old fashioned, but you can’t beat it John would say!! John is survived by his ex -wife, Leona Cloutier, sisters Kimberly Perley and spouse Daniel Perley of Glen, NH and Shannon Massey and spouse Jason Massey of Bartlett, NH, and his brother Timothy Kelly and spouse Kristi Kelly of Charleston, South Carolina, and several other extended family members and friends that will miss him dearly. His legacy will live on with the memories that we share and the stories that we tell one another for the many years to come. Please keep his spirit alive! Please join our family for visiting hours on January 31, 2026 from 2:00-4:00pm at the Furber Funeral Home at 2925 White Mountain Highway, North Conway ,NH 03860. We will have a graveside memorial service at the Dundee Cemetery in the spring as well as a celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Conway Area Humane Society at 223 E. Main Street Conway, NH 03818 as John loved his animals.