Roll Call Tribute

Robert Peter Kelleher 

January 24, 1963 - May 13, 2025 

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the world lost a remarkable soul, Robert Peter Kelleher, who passed away peacefully at his home in Houston, Texas at the age of 62. Peter was born on January 24, 1963, in Ridgewood, New Jersey, to the late Robert Francis Kelleher (Shirley) of Coppell, Texas and Constance Kelleher Wells (Raymond) of Southlake, Texas. Pete—as he was affectionately known—lived a life brimming with devotion, joy, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.

Peter’s journey took him from his childhood days in Palatine, Illinois, to Denton, Texas, where he graduated from Denton High School. Like his three siblings, he carried the Texas Aggie spirit in his heart, earning his Finance degree from Texas A&M University. Pete forged lifelong bonds as a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. His professional path led him through the financial industry before he embraced the freedom of working as an independent contractor, capitalizing on his ability to figure out and fix just about anything.

But above all, Peter’s heart belonged to his family. For the last twenty-five years, he and his beloved wife, Kaye Hopkins Kelleher, built a life in Houston, raising their children with love and laughter. His son, Robert Peter Kelleher, Jr. (Morgan), of Richardson, Texas, and his daughter, Macy Kelleher Alford (Bryce), of Dallas, Texas, were the lights of his life. Peter’s pride in them was boundless, and his legacy lives on in the strength and kindness they carry forward. He was also a very devoted son-in-law to Richard Hopkins (Houston, TX) and his late mother-in-law, Ellouise, treating them like his own parents and loving them with all his heart.

Peter’s passions painted his life with color. An avid sports fans, he never missed an Aggie football game, Texas Rangers baseball, the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Stars. He cheered with a fervor that brought people together. He even learned to also root on the Houston Astros, in solidarity with Kaye, Rob and Macy. Of course, he realized not doing so was not in his best interest. A natural athlete, Peter excelled in every sport he played as a child. He competed as a boxer in his fraternity’s annual “Fight Night” event in college – enjoying the process of training and competing. His ability to persevere and planning was also on display when he completed the Dallas White Rock Lake Marathon.

Peter prized his Irish family roots and some of his most cherished times were spent with his extended family at Kelleher Family Reunions every four years for the last thirty years. The many stories and laughter at these gatherings were sacred to him. Passing down his love of horse racing to all around him, he brought excitement and joy to those gatherings.

Yet it was his generous spirit that left the deepest mark. Whether lending a hand to family, neighbors, his church, or friends, Peter was a rock—always there, always ready. As a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 8096, he lived his faith through action, touching countless lives with quiet, steadfast goodness. He derived immense satisfaction from being able to give back to his community in meaningful ways.

Peter leaves behind a family who will forever feel his absence: his wife of almost 37 years, Kaye; his cherished children, Robert (Morgan) and Macy (Bryce); his siblings, Jeanne Reinkemeyer (Phil) of Parker, Texas, Nancy Ripley (Mike) of Coppell, Texas, and David Kelleher (Dohee) of South Korea; his sister-in-law Annette Hopkins Keith (Ronnie) of Atlanta, Georgia; his brother-in-law Paul Hopkins (Carol) of Wilmington, Delaware, as well as his nephews Chase Ripley, Chad Ripley, Alex Reinkemeyer, and Jason Kelleher, Timothy Broadwell (Bri); and his nieces Katie Broadwell, Kelly Broadwell, Alison Hopkins, and Emily Hopkins and the late Megan Broadwell. Also left to mourn his loss is his favorite Aunt Kathy Kelleher Steward, of Alexandria, Virginia. Alongside them, a wide circle of cousins and friends mourns a man whose warmth and reliability were a gift to all.

A memorial mass to celebrate Peter’s life will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Houston. 

Peter’s life was a testament to love, loyalty, and the beauty of simple, heartfelt moments. He will be deeply missed but is now in heaven with both his heavenly and earthly father, and others he loved that have gone before.