Maxwell Vaughn Kelly
Maxwell Vaughn Kelly, 66, died Nov. 14 after a valiant battle with cancer.
Affectionately known as “Pete,” and later “Beach Trolley Max,” he was born in Valdosta, Georgia, the youngest son of the late Dorothy Pittman and Robert Kelly. His family relocated to Bird Key in 1964, where he spent his childhood rabblerousing on the shores of Longboat Key, St. Armands Key and Anna Maria Island.
He attended Sarasota High School before launching a successful career as a commercial painter and small business owner.
Mr. Kelly returned to his beachside roots in 2011 when he began an encore career as a Manatee County transit driver for the island trolley and paratransit service. He greeted thousands of travelers annually, always offering a warm welcome, congenial conversation and safe journey.
He had a lifelong love affair with coffee and grits, nummies and good back scratches. When he wasn’t pursuing his passion for tinkering, he could be found reading a book, scoring deals on Craigslist or rescuing wayward animals.
He excelled in curating the ultimate vinyl record playlist, Sunday morning breakfast and coming through for friends and loved ones when they needed it most. He was beloved by his children, friends and stray and stranded animals alike. Above all, he lived his life with kindness, generosity and a good laugh.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Mr. Kelly would ask that you not take any moment for granted. Please, offer an unsolicited act of kindness; spend time with loved ones; adopt a pet in his name.
Mr. Kelly is survived by daughters Heather and Tara; former wife Carolyn Fraley Mariotti; son-in-law Ethan Tolbert; granddaughter Aeve Kelly-Tolbert; and countless loving friends, family members, grand nieces and nephews.