Bernard "Pete" H. Kelly

He fell asleep in death on February 25, 2023 at Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester, Virginia after a brief illness.

Pete began his employment years as a photographer for School Pictures Inc. in NY and carried that passion to his lifelong career at Hershey Foods where he integrated high speed photography in the study of manufacturing problems and worked as a Project Manager in the Hershey Chocolate Engineering Division. Although he worked for several of the Hershey plants throughout the U.S., his proudest achievement was the supervision and completion of a new wing of the Hershey Factory in Stuarts Draft, Virginia. He mentioned that the people living there were some of the friendliest and hardest working folks he ever met.

Pete was a talented “Mr. Fixit Guy” and could build/repair/renovate anything from cars to houses. In his spare time, he also loved sailing, music, tinkering with model airplanes, and wind surfing which he continued even in to retirement years.

His wife of 53 years, Mrs. Jeanne Kelly, preceded him in death in 2015. He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Beverly Grady of Candor, NY and a brother, Dr. Thomas Kelly of Sunset, SC. He leaves a daughter and son-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. William Reay, as well as a grandson Mr. W. Jared Reay of Gloucester, Virginia. A greatly adored friend and partner, Ms. Dorothy Rogers, also resides in Clermont, Florida.

The family would like to thank Gloucester House for their care during the past two years and would like to especially thank Riverside Walter Reed Hospital and Riverside Hospice for their excellent and caring service during some difficult final days.

Pete’s ashes will reside at a family cemetery on a ridge overlooking the peaceful Doe Valley in Highland County, Virginia. There will be a celebration of life gathering with friends and family later this summer in Connecticut for all who would like to attend.