Dr. Peter C. Kelly, 93, passed away peacefully at home Dec. 13, 2022, surrounded by his loving wife and five children. Born in Newark, he graduated Seton Hall Preparatory School. He then attended Seton Hall University and was a member of the ROTC program. He then furthered his education at Temple University where he received his degree in podiatric medicine. To honor his ROTC commitment, he was assigned to the Army as a 2nd Lt. in the 82nd Airborne Division where he was a paratrooper.
After his discharge he further pursued his goal of becoming a podiatric surgeon by completing his surgical residency at the Illinois College of Podiatry and Foot Surgery. He opened his first practice in his hometown of Newark in 1961. He was also appointed chief of the podiatric clinic for the City of Newark where he remained for over 40 years. He was on the staff of numerous hospitals including Monmouth Medical Center where he was the first podiatric surgeon. He was a diplomat of the American College of Foot Surgeons and board certified in foot and ankle surgery in both New Jersey and Florida.
Dr. Kelly was chief of the diabetic clinic at United Hospitals and initiated and developed the annual scientific seminar for the continuing education program at St. Michael’s Medical Center in Newark.
After marrying the love of his life, Leah Dondiego, in May 1962, they raised their five children in Maplewood, where he lived for over 30 years until he moved to Monmouth Beach/Oceanport.
In addition to his numerous accomplishments, his wife and his five children were his world. His most cherished moments were with his family, be it watching his children’s or grandchildren’s sporting events, family vacations and gatherings, or just sitting and relaxing on his deck smoking a cigar. He was truly blessed with a beautiful life.
Peter was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Anna (Larkin) Kelly; sisters Theresa Munn, Mary Brehony and Regina Zieser; and his brother Capt. James Kelly.
Peter is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Leah Dondiego Kelly; his five children, Michael (Nadine LeFevre), Jamie (Kristin Spitzer), Donna and fiancé Tom Jones, Matthew (Tara Formica) and Maura Kelly; and his cherished grandchildren, Brendan, Colin, Thomas, Grace, Madeline, Elizabeth, Matthew, Claudia, Jack, Paige, Chloe; sister-in-law Mary Gallagher; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Dec. 18 at John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A funeral Mass was held Dec. 19 at St. Michael’s Church, Long Branch, followed by burial at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Memories and condolences may be shared at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the December 22 – 28, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
