IN MEMORIAM: Richard Kellett, retired longtime president of the North County Labor Legislative Club

Richard Kellett, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562, retired longtime president of the North County Labor Legislative Club, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 16. He was 85.

Brother Kellett was born December 11, 1934 to John and Rina Kellett in St. Louis, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Michael Kellett, brother Dr. John (Kay) Kellett, Bill (Dorothy) Kellett, Lee Kellett and brother-in-law Ed Wania.

Beloved husband for 63 years to Kathleen Kellett, dearest father of Peggy (Mark) Schmidt, John (Julie) Kellett, Patrick (Mary) Kellett, Maureen (John) Steurer, Dick (Theresa) Kellett, Mary (Tim) Rone and Karen (Glenn) McDermott.

Loving Grandfather of Erin (Jason) Brauss, Katie (Adam) Gardner, Emily (Jamie) Hollingshead, Carrie Schmidt, Lauren Kellett, Colleen Kellett, Michael Kellett, Jack Kellett, John Steurer, Sam Steurer, Matt Steurer, Shannon Steurer, Will Steurer, Meghan (Aaron) Piwowarczyk, Molly (David) Schwer, Kayln (Adam) Piwowarczyk, Danny Kellett, Liam Rone, Kathleen Rone, Maggie Rone, Molly Rone, Audrey McDermott, and Ava McDermott.

Dear great- grandfather of Aiden, Gavin, Tyler, Emma, Noah, Aubree, Nora, Max and Paiton. Cherished brother of Ruth Wania.

Dear uncle, great-uncle, brother-in-law, cousin and friend to many.

Mr. Kellett proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a pipefitter and business agent of Local 562, and retired in 2015 as president of North County Labor Legislative Club –the longest-running, most effective labor club in the state.

Mr. Kellett was active with political campaigns, civic endeavors, Daily World Missionaries, White House Retreats and as an usher at St. Rose. He loved his time with the “Sunshine Boys,” the pursuit of goals on behalf of his union brothers and sisters, but most especially he loved time and events spent with his family.

Visitation is from 3-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Hutchens Mortuary, Florissant.

Funeral Mass is at 10:30 a.m.,, Thursday, Feb. 20, at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, Florissant, followed by interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to  “$5 for the Fight”  c/o St. Louis Labor Council, 3301 Hollenberg Dr., Bridgeton, Mo. 63044, or online at labortribune.com/5-for-the-fight.