Peter Kelly was an exceptional gentleman

The late Mr. Peter Kelly of Kilmuckridge and formerly Wexford town will be remembered as an exceptional gentleman who was a former Financial Director of Fine Wool Fabrics and a captain of Wexford Golf Club. Peter of Island Lodge, Creemore, Kilmuckridge and Lynd House, Clonard died peacefully at his home on September 21, surrounded by his loving family. He was in his 93rd year.

Born on October 1 1924, he grew up in Clifford Street, the youngest of three children and was predeceased by his brother Tom. He is survived by his beloved wife Angela; sons Marty and Dan; daughters Clare (Dufresne) and Julia (Kiernan); his sister Sr. Marie-Josephine; sons-in-law Chris and Sean; daughters-in-law Anne and Karen; his grandchildren Stephanie, Alison, Sarah, Amy, Rachel, Hannah, Noah, Gráinne and Nessa and by his extended family and friends.

Peter met his wife Angela in the summer of 1950 and in what proved to be an unorthodox courtship they met face to face only three or four times before their engagement and subsequent marriage. They talked for hours on the phone every night while supposedly working overtime in their respective jobs. When Angela told her father about Peter, she said she had known him far longer than was actually the case.

They were married on June 18 in 1951 and they settled in William Street to begin their live together. Peter's career began in the Wexford Timber Company and during this time, he was also secretary of Wexford Harbour Board. He then joined Fine Wool Fabrics where he worked for 22 years, becoming Financial Director of the company. He was President of the Woolen and Worsted Manufacturers' Association of Ireland where he honed his impressive skills as a public speaker.

As their children began to arrive, Peter and Angela purchased Lynd House in 1958 and it became a wonderland there the family grew-Clare first then Martin, followed by the twins Dan and Julia. As Dan remarked in a tribute to his father during funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Kilmuckridge, they were not the easiest children to manage, but not a day went by by when they didn't feel love and encouragement from their parents. No matter what was thrown at them, they dealt with it impeccably. They were model parents who imparted wisdom and knowledge throughout their childhood.

In 1979, Peter's career dictated a move to Rathfarnham, Dublin and he spent the rest of his working life with Minch Norton in the Liberties. He retired at the age of 66 and returned to Wexford, buying Island Lodge in Kilmcuckridge where he lived the remainder of his life. Together, he and Angela took on another full-time job - their garden. Side by side, they undertook the huge responsibility of developing a beautiful and magical garden. In addition to gardening, Peter also played golf and bridge.

In his earlier years, he had been instrumental in the development of Wexford Golf Club and served as captain in 1974. He was also a member of Rosslare Golf Club.

He had many close life-long pals including Bill Stafford, Jim Brogan, Denis O' Connor, Victor Stafford, Paddy Lacey and Pat McCrudden. Peter lived a full and interesting life filled with family holidays to places such as Achill Island, Clogher Head and Lahinch and later he and Angela travelled around the globe to visit their far-flung children and granchildren.

After his children grew up, he focused his love and devotion on his eight grand daughters and one grandson. He was a proud man who adored his famiy and was never afraid of expressing his love. In return, his family adored him. Peter was a man of intelligence, principles, loyalty, honesty and humour who will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

His family would like to thank Jenny Sullivan, Bridie Callan and Mags Grey, with support from Anne Kelly, who cared for him so well in his final years, and their amazing neighbours Maud and Paddy Doyle who saved them from ice, snow and fire. Burial took place in St. Ibar's Cemetery, Crosstown following funeral Mass in Kilmuckridge.

Wexford People