Michigan officials react to former state Attorney General Frank Kelley s passing Free Press staff, Detroit Free Press
Word of former Michigan Attorney General Frank Kelley s death late Friday at age 96 drew an outpouring of remembrances Saturday from current and former Michigan officials. Here is what they said:
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of my friend Frank Kelley’s passing. Frank made history as the nation’s longest-serving attorney general. Those who have followed have been measured by the high bar he set for public service and consumer protection. It was an honor and a pleasure to serve with Frank in state government. And I am thinking of his family today as we mourn the loss of a true legend.”
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich.:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of my friend Frank Kelley’s passing. Frank made history as the nation’s longest-serving attorney general. Those who have followed have been measured by the high bar he set for public service and consumer protection. It was an honor and a pleasure to serve with Frank in state government. And I am thinking of his family today as we mourn the loss of a true legend.”
Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell of Dearborn, whose late husband, John Dingell, was a longtime friend of Kelley:
“Frank Kelley and John Dingell were friends for nearly 70 years, and he was a friend and mentor I could trust with my whole heart. He fought hard for the underdog, cared deeply about people, and cherished the role he played in protecting democracy and human rights.
Michigan’s longest-serving attorney general, Frank Kelley, dies at 96
Updated Mar 07, 2021;
Facebook Share
A former Michigan Attorney General, and the person to have held that title for the longest time, has died.
The family of Frank J. Kelley announced his death on Saturday, March 6. Kelley, Michigan’s longest serving attorney general who bore the nickname “Eternal General,” was 96 and had been living in Naples, Florida, since he moved there in 2020.
Kelley died late on Friday, March 5, of natural causes at an assisted living facility in Naples.
Kelley was born in Detroit and graduated from the University of Detroit. He served as Alpena’s city attorney before Gov. John Swainson appointed him state Attorney General in 1961, replacing a vacancy left by Paul L. Adams when he became a justice on the Michigan Supreme Court.