The Connecticut sports community is mourning the death of beloved resident and legendary high school football coach Jude Kelly.
According to reports, Jude Kelly passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the age of 73 following a brief illness. No further details surrounding his passing have been revealed by his family, as they are currently grieving the loss.
Jude Kelly was a cherished figure in the Connecticut sports community, dedicating five decades of his life as a legendary football coach who guided thousands of young athletes.
A former athlete, the late Jude Kelly began his own athletic journey at Wethersfield High School, graduating in 1970.
After earning his master’s degree from UConn, Kelly launched his coaching career at East Catholic High School in 1979, where he led the Eagles to three state championships in 1983, 1986, and 1987.
Recognized for his outstanding contributions to East Catholic’s football program, Kelly moved to Southington High School in 1987. Over 17 years with the Blue Knights, he compiled a record of 115-62-2 and guided the team to a Class LL championship in 1998.
In 2005, he joined St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol. During his tenure there until retiring in 2020, Kelly led the team to numerous victories and earned several notable titles. In recognition of his impact, he was inducted into the St. Paul Catholic High School Circle of Honor in 2011.
Even after retiring from St. Paul, Kelly continued to share his expertise, guiding the football program at Weaver High School and mentoring a new generation of athletes.
Beyond his coaching career, Jude Kelly was a dedicated teacher who spent decades guiding students.
Furthermore, the passing of legendary Connecticut coach Jude Kelly has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, students, and loved ones.
Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late Jude and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
St. Paul Catholic High School wrote:
“Coach Kelly coached his final season for St. Paul in the fall of 2019 but always remained a Falcon and a proud supporter of St. Paul Catholic High School. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Jude Kelly’s soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
St. Paul Catholic High School
Another added:
“Coach Kelly was my coach. He was the only head coach at SHS that I actually played for and I’m a better man because of it. I was an undersized, completely underprepared, untalented kid who just wanted to be a part of the program. Coach Kelly let that happen and I will always be able to tell my kids that I played high school football for a former State Champion coach.Most importantly of all, Juuuuudddddeeee. The legend. This man allowed a little freshman nobody to be on the sidelines of one of the most memorable football games in our history when we beat Bristol Central in 2001. He then continued to give me the chance to feel like a part of the program and team even after my season of playing. My love for SHS athletics was cemented because of his support in the first two months of high school and it led me to more lifelong friendships and memorable experiences than I can ever recount.”
Shashwat P. Baxi
Jude Kelly is survived by his life partner, Norma Kendrick, and family, including Kai, Hazel, Jacqueline, Alaina, Josie, and Brendan Kendrick; daughter Karen Plourde and her husband Joe Plourde and their children Ethan, Logan, and Ellie.
His family will soon provide details about his funeral and memorial services. Jude Kelly’s contribution to the sports community will always be remembered.
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