Kelly, Thomas J.

Thomas J. Kelly, 84, of South Windsor, passed peacefully Sunday, August 22, 2021, at Manchester Memorial Hospital. Beloved husband of the late Jeannette (Bigaouette) Kelly to whom he was married for 53 wonderful years. Thomas was born in the Bronx, NY on July

15, 1937, son of the late Joseph F. and Elizabeth (Naughton) Kelly. Thomas grew up in the Bronx until age 7 when the family moved to Putnam, CT. He graduated from Putnam High School in 1955. He went on to graduate from Eastern Connecticut Teachers College with a degree in education. He was a beloved 8th grade science teacher at Vernon Middle School until his retirement in 1998 after 38 years of service. Tom was also an active real estate agent in the area for 30 years. He enjoyed making people laugh, talking, his extended family, maintaining relationships, especially the Vernon Retired Teacher’s Dunkin Donut

club, UCONN Basketball and Irish music.

Loving father of Jeff Kelly and his wife Corinne of Summit, NJ, Thomas Kelly and his wife Karen of Coventry and Erinn Grady and her husband Donnell of Manchester. Tom cherished his grandchildren Ryan, Cameron & Miread Kelly, Korey and Shana Hanna and Brendan and Brian Kelly and three precious greatgrandchildren Iylah and Raelyn Dunn and Grayson Kelly. Tom is also survived by his dear sister and brother, Lillian Mackenzie of Dudley, MA and Patrick Kelly of Putnam. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph Kelly, and sister, Kathleen Venie.

Tom will always be remembered for his unending devotion to our mother, Jeanette.

Also, the family would like to thank all his doctors, nurses, the staff at Manchester Memorial Hospital, the staff at Woodlakes and all the other frontline healthcare professionals that take care of patients.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 29th from 3 – 6 p.m., at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor. Family and friends may also gather on Monday, August 30th, 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 673 Ellington Road, South Windsor. The mass will be live streamed as well. Burial will be private at the request of his family. Guest are asked to please observe social distancing, wear a face mask and dress business casual. As a life-long advocate of mental health, memorial donations may be made to National Alliance of Mental Health, www.nami.org, and sign up to support the National Institute of Mental Health, www.nimh.nih.gov. For online condolences, Mass Live Stream link and directions please visit www. carmonfuneralhome.com