Peter Kelly

Peter Francis Kelly, 92, of Manchester, CT and Quonochontaug, RI, passed away Monday, September 27, 2021. Born in Philadelphia on June 18, 1929, and raised in Philadelphia, Lowell, MA, and Hartford, CT. Graduate of Weaver High School 1947 and Hillyer College (University of Hartford) 1953. Technical Sergeant in the US Air Force during the Korean War. Peter is the son of Frederick J. Kelly and Helen Hughes Kelly. He is predeceased by his parents; his sisters Anne Marie Clark, Helen Sullivan, and Kathleen Scanlon; and his nephew Barry Scanlon. Peter married Margaret Ann Doherty on October 19, 1963 in Richmond, VA and had almost 58 years together raising their family and enjoying their grandchildren. Peter is survived by his loving wife Margaret; his beloved children and their spouses Nancy & Michael Rosenbaum, Sharon & John Drago, and Michael Kelly; his cherished grandchildren Ryan, Stephen & Katie Rosenbaum, John, Anne & Matthew Drago, and Sasha & Skyla Kelly; and his beloved nephews Peter, Tom, & Todd Scanlon; sister-in-law Maxine Winn and her children David, Peggi, Carol & Chris; brother-in-law Frank (Buddy) Doherty, his wife Terry, and children Laurie, Michael & Sean; and their families. His favorite pastime was spending time with family and doing it at the cottage in Quonochontaug, RI. 56 summers of welcoming friends, extended family, and numerous friends of his children, filling up the cottage with laughter and love. Pete was able to connect with people from all walks of life. He went out of his way for others and helped many in their life journeys. As a father, he was encouraging and believed in his children's success. Protector, provider, steadfast, husband, father, grandfather, brother, godfather, uncle, friend and neighbor, Pete lived his life with integrity and offered us all a model to follow. Peter led a life of service to others. A civil servant for the State of Connecticut Insurance Dept. for 37 years, retiring as CT State Insurance Commissioner after a career of proudly protecting the policyholders of CT. Donating over 20 gallons of blood to the Red Cross. He held various community positions serving with groups such as State Employee Retirement Commission, Investment Advisory Council, Commission on Compensation of Elected Officials and Judges, Board of Directors Patrons Mutual Insurance Company, St. Bridget Bazaar and Raffle Committee, QEB Water Company, founding member of the Quonochontaug Yacht Club, to name a few. A wake will be held Sunday, October 3, 2021 from 6-8pm at Holmes Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main St, Manchester, CT. A mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, October 4, 2021 at 10 am at St. Bridget Church, 80 Main St, Manchester, CT. Burial to follow at St Bridget Cemetery, Oakland St, Manchester CT. A special thank you to everyone who helped Pete during his last few months. Donations may be made to St. Bridget School, Manchester, CT or a charity of your choice in Peter's name. To leave a memory or message of condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com.