John Peter Smith (known professionally as Peter Kelley), father, husband, son, devout Catholic, war hero, Broadway actor, and William Morris agent, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2023 at the age of 97. By any measure, Pete led an extraordinary life.

Born on December 17, 1925 to the late George and Evelyn Kelley Smith in Indianapolis, IN, Pete attended Cathedral High School. In 1943 he enlisted in the Army, where he became an infantryman serving in the 100th Infantry Division, 398th Infantry Regiment, Company B. Captured by German soldiers in Northern France on December 20, 1944, Pete suffered terrible treatment at the hands of his captors, including freezing and near starvation conditions. Despite the hardships and being forcibly marched to several different Nazi/SS POW camps, Pete and his best friend Robert "Rabbit" R. Smith (no relation) managed to escape from the camps twice, the second time being rescued by US Army colleagues. For his service, Pete was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against the enemy, a Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Prisoner of War Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WW2 Victory Medal, Sharpshooter Badge, and a Legion of Honor, awarded by France.

Following his military service, Pete attended Purdue University on the GI Bill, participated as a member of the famous Varsity Glee Club, and, most importantly, met the love of his life, Lois Ann Eckhart, whom he married on November 26, 1947. Following his graduation from Purdue, Pete pursued graduate studies in music at the University of Indiana.

A talented singer and actor with model-like good looks, Pete (professional name Peter Kelley) began his professional experience as a singer at the Boston Latin Quarter. From there he played many different roles in regional theaters all over New England. His first New York performance was as one of the singing Seabees and as Lt. Cable in the original Broadway production of South Pacific , starring Mary Martin and Enzio Pinza. He subsequently performed as Chick Miller in Wish You Were Here, and then with Bette Davis in Two's Company. At the conclusion of his performing career, Pete managed theater companies in and around New York City before becoming an agent at the William Morris Agency. Pete and Lois made their home in Manhasset, NY.

At William Morris, Pete quickly rose through the ranks. Credited with launching the career of Denzel Washington and representing dozens of other well-known performers and public personas, Pete was perhaps best known for matching celebrities with promotional and advertising opportunities. It has been said that if you saw a celebrity in a television commercial in the '70s or '80s, they were likely as not a Peter Kelley client! Pete retired from William Morris in 1991, at which time he and Lois relocated to Vero Beach, Florida.

Pete was a lifelong Catholic who attended Mass at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Manhasset, NY and at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach, Florida.

Pete was a larger-than-life personality whose love of his family eclipsed everything but was almost matched by his love of good food and good company. No doubt forged by his near starvation experiences in WWII, wasting food was never allowed when Pete was around, and no serving of butter - no matter how big or small - was safe in his presence!

Pete was preceded in death by his wife Lois Ann (Eckhart) Smith. Pete and Lois loved their six children: Rebecca, Michael, Timothy, Catherine, Mary, and Sara; ten grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 20, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 522 High St., Portsmouth. Pete will be laid to rest, along with Lois, at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. Contributions in Pete's memory can be made to your local St. Vincent de Paul or Catholic Charities. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.