Peter G. Kelley, of Collinsville, CT, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maryalice Kelley at home, cherished son, Ryan Sullivan Kelley, of Colorado who was making arrangements to move back to CT to be with his Dad, both of whom were with Peter in every way until he left on his final journey, Ryan’s soon-to-be wife, Laura Ryan of New Hartford, loving daughters, Annie Muoio (Frank), grandsons Illy, Will and Cole of Trumbull, CT, and Kris Dwyer (Pat), grandson Brodie, of Milford, CT. Also surviving are brothers, Franny Kelley, and Bill Kelley (Patricia), sisters, Maryann Collins (Alan), Rosemary Redfield (Bob), Margaret Tarnoczy, Barbara Kelley Balazsi, and special sister-in-law Cathy Kelley (Larry), and their families.

Peter, born on April 28, 1949, was one of 15 children and was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Grace Kelley, as well as by five brothers, Donald, Charles Jr., Paul, Warren (“O”), Walter, and Larry, and three sisters, first-born Grace, Marilyn and Elizabeth. He grew up in extremely difficult circumstances, leaving home at age sixteen for the Job Corps, where he earned his GED in record time and then joined the U.S. Army and served with honor and distinction in the 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam, during the height of the war. Among his combat medals are a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. He was wounded by bullets and shrapnel and exposed to Agent Orange. The war left him with scars both visible and invisible and damage to his organs that manifested over time and ultimately ended his life much too soon.

Peter was a hero, a strong man, a big personality and a force of nature. After returning from the war, he propelled his way through college while working, first, as a prison guard in Manhattan, then a CT State Trooper, investigator, IRS field agent, and ultimately achieving his life-long goal of becoming an attorney. As he put it, it was shocking enough that he made it into Tulane Law School, but even more shocking that he made it out-with a degree!

There will be a funeral service for family and close friends at St. Ann Church in Avon, CT, at 10:00 a.m. on July 26, 2023, and burial with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Please honor our veterans. The horror, pain and suffering of battle doesn’t end for them there-it lasts a lifetime.

The Vincent Funeral Home of Canton is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Peter’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.