Peter Jerome Kelley

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on January 17th, 1943, Peter grew up on a farm just north of town in Whitmore Lake that has been part of the family’s history for over 150 years. Having lived a long and wonderfully accomplished life he could only have dreamed of as a young boy on the farm, he now joins his adored father, Peter S. Kelley, mother, Mary Ellen O’Brien Kelley, and sister Mary Alice Cook (Robert); and will be lovingly remembered by his brother Patrick Kelley (Judy) and sisters Maureen Paynter (Marvin), Kathryn Carpenter (Raymond), and Rose Ellen Christoph (Carl).

From a very early age, Peter was a voracious reader, fascinated by learning intricate details about the world that surrounded him. His early education began at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic School in Ann Arbor, where his passion for knowledge lead to a focus on studying English, history, writing, and public speaking while attending Eastern Michigan University.

It was October 14, 1960, as Peter stood on the steps of the University of Michigan Union listening to President John F. Kennedy speak about forming the Peace Corps, that he began his journey to become a lawyer capable of pursuing justice for those who could not defend themselves.

After earning his degree at the Detroit College of Law, where his reputation as a gifted trial attorney began, and clerking for the distinguished U.S. District Court Judge, Cornelia G. Kennedy, Peter became a renowned Federal Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan-Detroit, often chosen to lead prominent state and national cases.

Longing to return to his hometown of Ann Arbor, Peter co-founded the law firm Kelley and Rhodes in 1977 and continued to practice law until his health began to decline only a few years ago.

Beyond his passion for the practice of law, and his unwavering devotion to family and friends, Peter spent his time on many diverse interests that included volunteering as a board member for Pewabic Pottery, co-authoring “Northfield Harvest” in collaboration with the Northfield Township Historical Society, and recently finishing a complete restoration of his cherished 1951 Ford F1 pick-up truck.

According to Peter, one of his greatest accomplishments was marrying his college sweetheart, Catharine Jeannette Kelley of Grosse Pointe Park in 1965 and spending the next 60 years together enjoying life’s adventures side-by-side.

Along with his wife Catharine, Peter is survived by their sons Paul O. Kelley of Ferndale and Peter T. Kelley (Kathleen) of Royal Oak, grandsons Liam M. Kelley and Aidan P. Kelley, and daughter Kaitlyn Beaugrand of Ann Arbor. Each of whom will love and cherish their memories of Peter for all their remaining days.

A celebration of Peter’s life will be held on Thursday, April 17th, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. The memorial mass will be held on Friday, April 17th at Old St. Patrick’s Church in Whitmore Lake, with visitations from 10:00-11:00 AM, mass from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM, followed by a brief ceremony at the burial site.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to the Huron Valley Humane Society at www.hshv.org.