Thursday, 4:30 PM
Kelly remembered with a bagpiper and flowers
By Matt Viser, Globe Staff, and Andrew Ryan, Globe Correspondent
The plaintive wail of a single bagpipe echoes through concrete corridors of City Hall today as officials mourn the death of long-time Councilman James M. Kelly.
The bagpiper, decked in a green-checkered kilt, is standing outside the Christopher Iannella City Council Chamber. His music echoes through the hulking building and can be heard by people paying parking tickets and waiting in line for city services.
Inside the Council Chamber, the lights are dim and yellow flowers have been set on Kelly's desk. Black and white photographs of the seven-term Council President sit on a table. There is also a condolence book for people to sign. The Council Chamber will remain open to the public for people to remember Kelly until 5 p.m. on Friday.
Kelly died Tuesday at the age of 66 after a long battle with brain cancer. He used his 23 years on the City Council as a bully pulpit. To some, he was a hero who championed his South Boston neighborhood. To others, he was a polarizing symbol of intolerance who led opposition to court-mandated busing in the 1970s.
To sign an online condolence book, click here.
There will be visiting hours at St. Brigid Church in South Boston from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday. A funeral Mass will be said at noon Friday at St. Brigid.
