Philip Thomas Kelley passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025. He was born July 19,1946 third of seven sons to Eloise and Leonard Kelley. Raised on the west side of Chicago, Phil spent his childhood learning from the life of hard knocks and walking uphill both ways to school, frequently in two feet of snow. The best looking of the brothers, he dated avidly but seemed to confirm himself as a bachelor early on. Stay tuned for further developments on this matter.

Phil received a bachelors in business administration from Purdue University where he played football with the 1967 Rose Bowl team. An insatiable appetite for learning, he went on to receive a masters in business administration from the University of Northern Illinois, followed by a doctorate of jurisprudence from John Marshall Law School. After law school, he worked for the Illinois State's Attorney office and taught at the University of Wisconsin before moving to Oregon where he received a masters in taxation from Portland State University. He then established his long-standing law practice in Silverton, alongside his brother Don.

Phil was active in the Silverton community which he was an integral part of for the past 48 years. Phil was a founding member on the board of directors for Center Stage, board member for the Mabel Almquist Scholarship, Kiwanis, volunteer football coach for Silverton High School, volunteer peer court judge, and was famous with his dog Mackenzie for participating in Silverton library's early reading program and pictured in several murals. Phil met his wife Helen in 2010; and the once confirmed bachelor was smitten and off the market forever. They shared a partnership of loving patience and encouragement.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Helen Kelley, honorary kids Ben and Christy Stone, grandkids Grace and Sean, brothers and sisters-in-law Don and Theresa Kelley, Sherry Kelley, Gary and Joann Kelley, Tim and April Kelley, Robert Kelley and Pat Chew, Dan and Eileen Kelley, cousin and honorary brother and sister-in-law John and Jean Rago, dear friends John and Shirley Williams, 22 favorite nieces and nephews, 35 great nieces and nephews, and countless more who lovingly referred to him as "Uncle Phil."  He was preceded in death by his parents Eloise and Leonard Kelley, parents-in-law Babs and Vince Till, beloved older brother Pete Kelley, and honorary sister and spirited debate partner, Ann Graham.

Phil loved and lived generously. Truly, he would do anything for those dear to him. He made the most legendary and delectable Irish coffees and told the world's best-worst jokes. He was a loyal and cherished friend to so many. His joyful heart, spirited love of debate, and curious, sharp mind will leave a gaping hole in the lives of those he touched. We love you.

Voted most likely to be late for his own funeral, please attend and see how this plays out: Viewing at Unger Funeral Chapel in Silverton on Sunday, November 2nd, 2-4 pm. Vigil Rosary Sunday, November 2nd at 5pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Mount Angel. Funeral Mass Monday, November 3rd at 11:00 am, also at St. Mary's. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Phil's incredible life and spirit.