Clyde B. Kelton, Jr. Esq. from Wayland, died peacefully surrounded by his family at Massachusetts General Hospital on April 18th, 2025, after a courageous battle. He was born on December 6th, 1940, in Concord, Massachusetts. Clyde was married to his beloved wife Christine (MacDonald) Kelton for 53 years before she passed away in 2019.
Loving father of Beth R. Wetherbee and her husband Robert of Milford, MA, the late David J. Kelton (1995) and Rebecca A. Kelton (2000). Cherished grandfather to Mirelle K. Wetherbee of Wilmington, NC, Tyler D. Wetherbee of Milford, MA, and their significant others Benjamin Welsby and Isabel Warner. He also leaves behind his brother, Ralph, his sisters-in-law, Anne and Moira, brothers-in-law, Iain and Derek, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister, Carlene, his brother-in-law, David and his extraordinary sister-in-law, Rosemary.
Clyde was a lifelong resident of Wayland. He was a member of the United Methodist Church since he was a child. Clyde graduated from Wayland High School in 1958, then joined the United States Air Force where he was an Airman First Class. While stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, he met the love of his life Christine. She was in a Scottish bagpipe band that travelled all over Europe, including Germany. Christine came to the United States from her homeland of Scotland in 1965, and they started their life together in Wayland. After his service, Clyde worked at Johnsons Drugstore while attending night classes at Suffolk University and Law School to earn his law degree. He worked for the Federal Court in Boston as a clerk for 10 years, then Liberty Mutual for 23 years as in-house counsel. He then went to work for the Law Offices of Martin B. Schneider in Salem, Ma. Clyde went on to work at the Law Offices of Tentindo, Kendall, Canniff & Keefe, LLP in Boston for several years, and still maintained an active law license up to his passing. In each of these law firms, he made lasting friendships with both counsel and staff. And he always amazed people with his legendary memory about cases and people.
He was immensely devoted to his wife and children. Vacations were mostly a drive away to a lake, but were always filled with fun. For decades, he enjoyed countless visits with his sister-in-law, Rosemary White, brother-in-law, Derek, and their granddaughter, Beth from Scotland. Clyde and Chris were very involved in their grandchildren’s lives. Memorable traditions with them included riding in the Sudbury parade in his antique car, holidays spent together at Beth and Bob’s house, and endless food dates with Mirelle and Ty at Casey’s Diner and the Dairy Queen in Natick. We also remember their beloved dog Maggie (The Braveheart), their West Highland Terrier.
Since he was 15 years old, Clyde always had a passion for cars. He started buying antique Ford Model A 1929-31 cars and fixing them up. His passion and expertise grew over the years. He was previously the Minuteman Model A Ford Club of America President where he continued to be an active member. Clyde enjoyed attending flea markets where he would set up and sell his parts–he especially loved the art of making a deal. For over 45 years, Clyde would travel to Hershey and Carlisle, PA, for large flea markets. Over the years, Clyde had a very close friendship with Peter Kaptain. They maintained a partnership centered around rebuilding cars.
Clyde met Ralph Cafarelli at Liberty Mutual as they were both in-house counsel, developing a special bond. Over the years, Clyde and Chris built a very close friendship with Ralph and his wife, Barbara, sharing lots of meals and laughs. Clyde loved to fish at Lake Cochituate and went on numerous fly-fishing trips with his friend, Lou. He made many friendships over the years, including those with Chrissy, Peggy, Carl, John, Alden, Scott, Gerry and countless others. Clyde had an immense group of friends through his law and antique car communities.
Visitations will be held Thursday, May 1st, 2025, from 4-7PM at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (off rte 30, Wayland, MA). His funeral service will be held on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, at 11AM at the Community United Methodist Church, 5 Damon Street, (corner of rte 27 and Damon Street, Wayland, MA). Interment to follow at the Kelton family lot in Lakeview Cemetery in Wayland.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and entire staff on the Blake 7 and Ellison floors and the cancer center at Massachusetts General Hospital. In lieu of flowers the family kindly suggests that memorial gifts be made in Clyde’s memory to the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center (125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02144).
Online donations can be made at: https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/cancer-center
Clyde had a great sense of humor and loved to send funny cards. He was also a very caring person who was always willing to offer a helping hand to others. We ask that in his memory you please extend an act of kindness (or maybe send a card).
