Peter G. Kelly, of Newbury, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2020 in Danvers, at The Kaplan Family Hospice House with family by his side.
Peter “Pete” was born in 1943 to Edward and Viola (Jaques) Kelly in Newburyport. After graduating from UNH College of business, he worked as a civilian, at the Portsmouth Navy Ship Yard under the direction of the Ship Yard Commander. In 1971, Peter joined his father in business at Lunt and Kelly’s Hardware on Pleasant Street, now located at its current location on State Street. In 1998, he started Kelly's Taylor Rental. He was dedicated to the Kelly Family Businesses up until the end days of his life.
He was a devoted business man who loved the Greater Newburyport Community. He was a long-standing member of Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Newburyport. He served on the Anna Jaques Hospital Seacoast Board of Trustees, and more recently, on the Finance Committee at the hospital. Pete held the position of President of the Board of Directors of The Newburyport Society for Relief of Aged Men. He was elected as a trustee at the Institution for Savings in 1978 and served until he retired in 2015. He also spent many years on the ServiStar Hardware and Tru-Serv Hardware Board of Directors, acting as Chairman of both for several years. He embraced the many corporate business challenges that he encountered and pursued them with passion.
In addition, Pete became involved with the Society for the Development of Arts and Humanities of Greater Newburyport, at its inception in 1978. In 1985, Pete, and other community leaders led the charge to convert the former fire station into a cultural center that is today The Firehouse Center for the Arts. Since the Firehouse opened it's doors in 1991, Pete served on its Board of Directors, acting as Treasurer for the last 15 years – never losing his love or passion for the organization, serving as it's longest-tenured board member.
Peter is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Edward. He is survived by his wife, Cherylann (Waldrip), his sister, Carolyn Bashaw and her husband Robert of Naples, FL, his children, Jeffrey Kelly and wife Dionne, Wayne Kelly and his significant other Janine Petite, Lisa Kelly and her significant other Matt Kozazcki, Jonathan Kelly and his wife Tara-Jen of Petaluma, CA, Katherine Kelly and her significant other Todd Wilkinson, and two stepchildren Matthew and Heather Thompson, as well as seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to attend Pete’s calling hours from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday July 23, 2020 at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. THERE IS NO LONGER ANY PARKING AVAILABLE BEHIND THE FUNERAL HOME PER ORDER OF THE CITY OF NEWBURYPORT. At the request of his family a private graveside service and burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Firehouse Center of the Arts, in Pete's memory.
For directions or to offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com.
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