Thomas J. Kelly, Dunmore, died peacefully at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, after a brief illness on Nov. 8, 2016. He was 91 years old on November 5, 2016.
Tom, “Notch”, was born in Scranton to the late Thomas and Margaret Mullen Kelly. He was a graduate of Central High School and the University of Scranton. He was a proud veteran, having served in the Weather Corps in Greenland for the U.S. Army during World War II.
Tom lived in New York City for many years furthering his successful career selling books to schools in the New York and New Jersey market. He retired in 1987 and devoted his life to serving as caretaker for his ailing mother. A devout catholic, he was a member of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Dunmore. Until a few weeks ago, he attended Mass every weekend regardless of the weather. He was a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and University of Scranton Alumni Associations.
He was a true gentleman and his warmth, humor and kindness touched every person who ever met him. His Irish wit and humor are legend, and were known to get him into a scrape or two along the way. Although he called his beloved Dunmore home for 53 years, his heart always remained in the Hill.
Tom was a loyal New York Yankees, New York Giants and Notre Dame football fan. He will be greatly missed by his great nephews, Drew, Billy and Jack Kelly, who spent countless hours watching sporting events at his home.
The family wishes to express its’ gratitude to Dr. Michelle Hazzouri, who was his physician for many years, and to the Angels who tended to him in his final days at Sacred Heart Hospice. Also, a special thank you to his wonderful neighbors, the Sandone, McCarthy and Azzarelli families who were so kind to him over the years.
Tom is survived by his brother, Robert T. Kelly and his three children, Charles (Jayne), Ann Lupoli, and Robert, Jr. and their children and grandchildren; a sister in law, Lois O. Kelly, and her five children, Lynn Nelson (Henry), Maurita Pascale (Greg, Esq.), Paul A. Kelly, Jr. Esq. (Colleen), Patrice Bonin (Tom), Thomas C. Kelly, Esq. (Karin), and their children; a sister in law, Nancy Kelly and her two children, Kathy Hedlund (Randy) and Mary Kelly (Mark) and their children and grandchildren. He is also survived by his adopted families, the McGraths, Briers, Cowleys, O’Neills, Murrays and Morrells, with whom he spent many holidays and special occasions, as well as his good friend, Jack Higgins.
In addition to his late parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul A. Kelly, and Raymond Kelly, a sister in law, Ann Therese Gallagher Kelly, an uncle, Mark Mullen and cousin Mary Alice Mullen Peyton, who grew up with the Kelly family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, November 11, 2016 at 9:30 AM at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church 322 Chestnut St., Dunmore.
Friends may call at the church beginning at 8:30 AM.
Internment at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Dunmore.
Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton.
Memorial contributions in Tom’s memory can be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
Nancy Moran Estadt & Bob Moran
Tommy goes back a long way with the Moran family, a dear friend to us all, especially “Black Mike” and sister Dot (Bender) who we just lost. There was only one Notch Kelly. We”ll never forget him. God bless you, Tommy!!