George B. “Pete” Kinsella, 89, of Old Saybrook formerly of Hartford, loving husband of Linda (Waldron) Kinsella, his devoted wife of 36 years, peacefully passed away Friday, December 23, 2016 at his home with his family by his side. Pete was a native son of the City of Hartford a city that he loved and where he lived for 76 years. Pete was a friend to all and quick with a smile.
As a 17-year-old young man Pete enlisted in the Navy to aid the war effort for World War II. He was injured near the end of his enlistment. After his service in the Navy he returned to Hartford to finish his high school education at Hartford High School and then went on to earn a degree from Ward School of Technology, now part of the University of Hartford. Pete believed in public service and followed in the long tradition of his grandfather, father and brother all dedicated to the City of Hartford. Pete entered politics at age 34 when he was elected to the City Council. His fellow councilman also elected him deputy mayor. He continued to serve in that office until he was elected Mayor in 1965. He then served as Majority Leader until 1969. During that time Pete served on numerous boards and committees including chairman of the redevelopment committee, the model cities, charter revision and civic center committees. He returned to elective office and served as City Treasurer from 1979 to 1989. Pete was also committed to charitable efforts. He was a founding member and first President of The Hundred Club, an organization that donates money to widows and dependents of police officers and firemen who die in the line of duty. Later in life Pete was active with FOSA (Friends of the Office of the State Archaeologist), participating in many archaeological digs throughout Connecticut with friends and colleagues. Pete was also a charter member of HEAT, which provides heating oil assistance for families in need. He made it a point to know people personally and help those in need whenever he could, oftentimes anonymously.Pete was a lifelong entrepreneur and businessman. He loved electronics, he built his first radio at the age of six and when he was a teenager, built his first television set before televisions were commonplace. He owned Kinsella Television a television sales and service store in Hartford. He also held a commercial brokers license and was involved in Hartford real estate and development. He developed, owned and managed apartment buildings in Hartford and was president of Security Management.Pete was a family man. He deeply loved and cherished his family. He is survived by his older brother Richard and his wife Conchita, sister-in-law Anne-Marie Kinsella and first cousin Conrad Whitney and his wife Marilyn. Pete was predeceased by his devoted first wife Patricia (Keen) Kinsella, his sisters Catherine S. Hogan, Mary Ann Kinsella, brother James H. Kinsella.
He is survived by his wife Linda and children William Kinsella and wife Shelley of O’Fallon MO., Brenda Balch and husband Eric of Mystic CT., R. Daniel Kinsella and wife Valerie of Los Angeles CA., Kayleigh Kinsella of Portland CT, Anne Thompson and husband Philip of Arlington MA. George Kinsella and wife Tara of Nashua, NH, Mary Ellen Archer and husband Lee of Westbrook, CT., and stepchildren Gabriella Ranelli and husband Aitor of San Sebastian Spain, Damian Ranelli of Westbrook, CT, Gian-Matthew Ranelli and wife Kendra of New Haven, CT.
He is also survived by his 21 grandchildren who gave him great joy later in his life Jason Kinsella, Patrick Balch, Sarah Balch, Quinn Kinsella, Emily Archer, Devin Kinsella, Samuel Kinsella, James Kinsella, Madeline Archer, Anna-Allegra Ranelli, Natalie Ranelli, Teadora Ranelli, Ethan Thompson, Luna Kinsella, Olivia Archer, Isaiah Kinsella, Aidan Ranelli, Juliette Ranelli, Amelia Kinsella, Marlee Archer,, Katherine Kinsella and his great granddaughter Olivia Kinsella.
Friends and relatives may pay their respects to the family Tuesday, December 27, 2016 from 4 to 7 PM at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday December 28, 2016 at 12:00 noon in Saint Augustine Church 10 Campfield Ave., Hartford. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Ave. Hartford. Donations may be made in his name to Hartford History Center at the Hartford Public Library or St. John’s school in Old Saybrook. To extend online condolences, or for further information, please visit Farleysullivan.com.