Peter Kay

We regretfully announce the passing of Mr. Peter Kay on February 7, 2026. Born on September 30, 1947 in Cambridge, NY, Peter led a life full of accomplishments, love, and shared wisdom. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 1-3 pm at the Brandywine Country Club, 6904 Salisbury Rd, Maumee.

He is survived by his daughters, Melanie Howard and Mandy Yates; son-in-law, Thomas Howard; siblings, Audrey Kay Dowling and Susan Barbe Fox; brother-in-law, Jay Fox; grandchildren, Christopher (and Elizabeth) Howard, Robert (and Emily) Howard, William Yates, and Angela Yates; greatgrandchildren, Malakai, Nora, and Maci Howard; nieces and nephews, Lisa Cooper, Andrew Cooper, Anna Miles, Michael (and Tammy) Collander, Forrest (and Sarah Hewitt) Dowling, Joseph (and Rachel Jones) Dowling. He was predeceased by his wife Anne Cooper Kay; parents Edmund and Audrey Kay; son-in-law William Yates, and Brother-in-laws, James Collander, Donald Dowling, and Gary Cooper.

Peter graduated with an MBA from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1987. He was a Certified Economic Developer at the International Economic Development Council and member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. His professional contributions were significant, particularly his role in Economic Development across the country. His work varied from County Planning Commission Director in West Virginia, Director of Economic & Community Development in Dearborn, MI, Economic Development Advisor to Governor Ridge in Harrisburg, PA, President & CEO of Economic Development Corporation of Erie County in Erie, PA, CEO of Puyallup International, Inc working to initiate development and support to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians in Tacoma, WA, finally to his role as Director of the Science & Technology Corridor at the University of Toledo. Peter also enjoyed his time working with the Middleton Township Zoning Board. 

Peter was a man who enjoyed simple pleasures. His love for reading nonfiction and Mark Twain was well known, as was his fondness for British detective shows. He found joy working with Anne to complete crossword puzzles, puttering on projects, and spending time with family and friends who became part of his extended family. His love for physical activity found expression in his long walks along the river, which he jokingly referred to as his "forced marches". England held a special place in his heart and was one of his favorite vacation spots, as well as Maine, where he and Anne married on a Windjammer cruise on September 6, 1993, and Cape Cod, where he and Anne loved to walk along the beach and search for the "perfect” shells and best lobster roll.

Hailed as friendly, intelligent, funny, and caring, Peter was a wealth of knowledge and taught others about the history of places and things. His love for his wife, Anne, his family, and friends defined him. His legacy will always be remembered, and he will be deeply missed.

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