Patrick Charles Kelley

PATRICK CHARLES KELLEY, age 75 years, of Jefferson, LA, passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Beloved husband of Gwendolyn Tranchina Kelley for the past 37 years. Step-father of Daphne Gelpi (Robley), Stefanie Wiedemann (late Karl), Gina Marciante, Jerome Joseph Marciante, III (Candice) and Nicholas Marciante. Also survived by 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his father, Herman Kelley and his beloved mother, Thelma Fontenot Greenwald, great aunts, Bessie H. Brookerson and Thelma Healey Johnson.

Pat was born and raised in Opelousas, La. He was an undergraduate at L.S.U., a member of the DEKE fraternity and continued at L.S.U. Law School where he graduated in 1971. Pat began his law career with Monroe and Stevenson law firm, then opened his own practice in the New Orleans area in 1971 and became a member of the Jefferson and La. Bar Associations. He was a member of the Krewe of Endymion and was an honored guest in several New Orleans Irish parades. Pat served as General Manager and legal counsel for his dearest friend, Andrea Apuzzo, since the opening of his restaurant, Andrea's in 1984. He was a 33rd degree Mason, Grand Master of Louisiana in 2001, Past Master of La. Lodge #102, a Scottish Rite Mason, a Shriner, Royal Society of St. George of New Orleans, served as the Legal Counsel for the Grand Lodge of Louisiana and the Shriner’s, and a member of numerous other New Orleans Lodges.

Thanks to his friend, Brian Ronquist, he learned to love hiking in the Great Smokey Mountains and led numerous hikes for Brian there. Pat and his wife, Gwen, also enjoyed hiking the “Smokies”. He loved hunting trips with his sons and Joe Monahan in Brookhaven, Ms., and enjoyed doing special lunches with his grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Paddy”. 

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Masonic Services and Celebration of Life at the Louisiana Lodge #102, 6209 3rd St., Harahan, La., 70121, on Friday, August 4, 2023, at 12:30 P.M.   

Visitation at the Lodge will begin on Friday at 11:00 a.m. until service time.

A private family interment will be in Lakelawn Park Cemetery, New Orleans, La.

Donations to the Shriners Childrens Hospital, preferred, in lieu of flowers.