J. T. Kelly "Tom" 90, of 65 Laurel Street Lee, MA joined his wife, (our mother) and loved ones gone before us, in Heaven, on Saturday June 20, 2015 while surrounded by his loving family at home. Tom was born August 14, 1924 in Moat, Killimor, County Galway, Ireland to Michael Joseph Kelly and Mary Donaghue Kelly. The youngest of eight children, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1947 settling in Lee with his oldest brother Michael. His intention was to save money, then return home to Ireland. Many would hear him tell the story of the Pan Am flights' engines flaming out before landing safely in the Azores for a quick fix before leaving for Newfoundland prior to it's final destination of New York. That 22 hour flight brought Dad here. He would not see his parents again but would fortunately be able to return to visit Ireland again some 29 years later. His first job here was at Tanglewood before he quickly landed a job with the former Smith Paper Company. Shortly after meeting Flora Cardinali his plans of returning to Ireland changed. Drafted into the Army during the Korean War in 1950, he spent his military career as an MP.He married the love of his life, Flora on June 9, 1951 at St. Mary's Church in Lee. Tom and Flora returned to the Berkshires from Pennsylvania with their first of what would be the Kelly clan of eight children. Tom worked for Kimberly Clark (Smith Paper) for 39 years before retiring in 1986. Tom was involved with Cub Scouts, Little League baseball, St Mary's Parish and School, Lee town representation (several years for District 6) and the Irish American Organization. Growing up as part of a musical family, music continued to be a passion of his. He was a devoted church member, attending mass every day until very recently. A proud member of the St. Mary's Church choir for thirty years, he also played his accordion locally for Irish dancing and events with his sons. He played to another packed house this past St. Patrick's Day at the Locker Room in Lee. Tom continued on with an active and healthy regimen that allowed him to travel about the county visiting each of his children and his friends on a regular basis as a very independent gentleman. He enjoyed his weekly outings with his children and grandchildren. Always quick with his wit and a helping hand, many will remember his amazing smile and still present Irish brogue. Dad lost Flora, his wife of 53 years in 2004 after ten years of devoted care as she battled Alzheimer's. He leaves his eight grateful children: Gerald Thomas and his wife Ann of Lenox, Robert Michael and his wife Kathi of Pittsfield, James Lawrence and his wife Pat of Glendale, Mary Horton and her husband Chris of Pittsfield, Suzanne Kelly Salinetti of Lee, Kathleen Kelly-Curtin and George Fleischner of Lee, Kevin Joseph and his wife Patricia of Boston, Matthew Martin of Lee and his niece Anne Caroline Kelly of Lee. He was very proud of his 14 grandchildren; Sarahgrace, Brendan, Drew, Ryan, Liam, Lauren and Martin Kelly, Maura Jean Stanton, Martha, Matthew and Ed Horton, Tommy Salinetti, Dillon and Devin Curtin and many nieces and nephews here and abroad. Visiting hours will be held at Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee on Thursday, June 25, 2015 from 4pm to 7pm. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Church in Lee on Friday, June 26, 2015 at 11am followed by burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Lee. Friends wishing may make memorial donations to St. Mary's School of Lee in care of Kelly Funeral Home in Lee, MA. We love you, Dad. See you in the next life. The Kids http://www.masslive.com/living/index.ssf/2013/03/for_irish-born_tom_kelly_88_of_lee_a_life_filled_with_faith_family_music.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz-uPabjEbY Preview YouTube video Happy 90th Tom Kelly! Happy 90th Tom Kelly!

Visitation Details

Thursday, June 25th, 2015 4:00pm - 7:00pm, Kelly Funeral Home

Service Details

Friday, June 26th, 2015 11:00am, St. Mary's Church

Interment Details

St. Mary's Cemetery