Peter Joseph Kelly

Peter was born in Mount Vernon, New York, on June 16, 1941- the eldest of seven children to Charlotte and Joseph Kelly. As a young child, Pete's family moved to Milford, New Jersey. He graduated from Frenchtown High School after spending most of his high school years at Phillipsburg Catholic. After high school graduation Peter enlisted in the armed services, serving in the U.S. Navy , Naval Aviation unit as a helicopter mechanic.

Peter met his wife, Elizabeth Anne Olexa at Saint Edward the Confessor Roman Catholic Church on Easter Sunday in 1961. Their wedding, held in the same church that they had met in, was on September 15, 1962. In 1963, Peter and Elizabeth had their first child, Mark Joseph. 4 years later, they welcomed their second child, Patrick Brian, into the world.

Peter, a dedicated lifelong learner, exemplified perseverance and passion throughout his educational and professional journey. Balancing the responsibilities of raising a family, working as a welder, and pursuing higher education at Trenton State College and Rutgers University, he achieved his Bachelors, Masters, and Ed.S. degrees in Education. Peter's love for Industrial Arts shone through as he dedicated many years to teaching shop classes at North Hunterdon and Voorhees High Schools, eventually rising to the position of Director of Industrial Arts Education for the North Hunterdon School District. Additionally, his commitment to education extended beyond high schools, as he also imparted his knowledge at Warren County Technical College and Rutgers University, embodying his passion for mentoring and nurturing the growth of others throughout his entire career. Peter's story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and a genuine love for education.

Retirement opened up new avenues for exploration and self-expression for Peter, who found joy and creativity in oil painting. His talent was pleasantly surprising, as his Industrial Arts skill set transferred beautifully. Despite pursuing various interests, motorcycling remained a hobby and lifelong passion. Starting in his twenties with a Suzuki 500, he later transitioned to a Suzuki 750 before embracing a Harley Davidson Motorcycle.Riding with friends and family, he embarked on adventures to hill climbs, bar hopping, and annual trips to bike week in Daytona Beach which even influenced his decision to relocate to the area eventually. Known for his sharp wit and sarcasm, he was always ready with a joke or engaging in a lively political debate. Pete was known to many by different names: husband, dad, pops, brother, son, friend, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Kell, Captain Morgan, all of which fit him well.

Although Peter was busy as both a full-time professor and student himself, he always made time to spend with his family. Many summers were spent enjoying the wilderness in a pop-up camper. Pete was a history buff, particularly military, so they took many trips up and down the east coast visiting many historical places from Maine to Florida.While Peter was never a sports fan, he found himself heading to the library to borrow books about coaching basketball in an effort to connect more with his two boys. He became first an assistant coach, and then head coach for their CYO basketball teams. He always made the effort to attend all the important events in his families' lives, weddings, graduations, baptisms. Pete stood up as best man for his son Patrick when he got married-a very proud moment for both. He accompanied his son Mark to a bike rally in Laconia, New Hampshire, working alongside him in the demo fleet area. Mark recalls as an "unbelievably proud time working with his dad around his love, Harley Davidson Motorcycles". Peter's most important subject of teaching was life skills for his boys. Living on a farm was the perfect opportunity- educating his sons about the circle of life, the importance of discipline and perseverance, and the consequence of not getting your chores done. A "to-do" list was left for the boys each morning, to be completed before they could go play. He would teach us what he knew and took us with him to pass on learnings. The trips always seemed to include a stop at one of Phillipsburg's many taverns for a shorty (beer) and a sandwich.

Pete was a kind man with a great demeanor, an amazing storyteller who had patience and took the time to explain things thoroughly. As we say goodbye to Pete, we remember a man who lived life on his own terms, unapologetically authentic and true to himself. His legacy as both a professor and a biker will continue to inspire us to embrace our differences, speak our minds, and ride through life with the wind in our hair. Rest in peace, Pete Kelly- may you ride on forever in the sky.

Peter was preceded in death by his mom, Charlotte, his dad, Joseph, brother Ian and nephew Ian Jr. He is survived by his wife, Betty Olexa Kelly, his children Mark Joseph and wife Jennnifer, Patrick Brian and wife Sherrie, grandchildren Caitlin and Corinda, Heather and Amanda. Pete's brother Brian has 2 children Jennifer w/husband Michael and their daughter Chloe. Coleen w/husband Dustin have 2 children Greyson and Quinn. Pete's 4 sisters, Caroll and children Cynthia w William, their children Hali and Maximus. Sister Barbara and her 2 children Keri with her children Aiden and Erin, Sarah w Martin and their children Meaghan, Martin, Sophia. Joshua w/ wife Lauren and their children Keegan, Killian, and Finnegan. Sister Susan has four children, Kim and children Courtney w/husband Dave and Eric, Becky w/husband Chris Barth, Tim w/ wife Michele, and Andrew who has 2 children Adrienne and Briella. Youngest sister Cathy and children Jake and Julie. Youngest brother Ian's 4 children Meghan w/husband Scott Beebe and children Emmalyn, Madelyn and Delaney. Erine w/husband Kyle Reid and children Peyton and Ryder. Mollie Anne w/husband Michael Schwinkendorf and children Charlotte and Evelyn and son Ian Jr. , deceased. Peter has left behind his precious pet cats Nelly and Petey.

A celebration of life will take place in Easton, Pennsylvania on Saturday June 15 2024 @ 12 Noon followed by a service at 2pm. Information found @ Finegan's Funeral home 4080 William Penn Hwy Easton, PA . Gathering to continue our celebration will follow in fine Irish fashion.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Alzheimer's research act.alz.org. https://bit.ly/3ICTJWH