Tom Kelly, or known to some as “Tommy” Kelly, was born on July 13, 1929 in the District of Columbia to Edward James Kelly and Blanche Dawson Kelly. Tom attended what was then, George Washington High School and excelled in both athletics and academics while there. He was accepted into VMI, more formally known as Virginia Military Institute and entered as a “RAT” into the class of 1950B. While at VMI, he played Varsity baseball and basketball. It only took one meeting with Tom to understand the sincere fondness, pride and loyalty he felt about VMI and all it stood for. He was a loyal alumnae until the end and many of his very closest friends in life, were a result of his years at the Institute. As an alumnae there, he served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the VMI Foundation for 7 years. While on the Board, he served as Vice President for Administration, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and member of the Executive Committee. Tom served in the US Army as a First Lieutenant and tank commander during the Korean War and was awarded two Purple Hearts, and a Bronze Star for bravery while serving time there. After his military service, Mr. Kelly earned a Master’s in business administration from Harvard University Graduate School in 1954. It was in 1952 that he met and married the absolute love of his life, Norma Lee (Hannas). They met and married that same year, had a daughter, Susan Ann Kelly(McKone) in 1961, and lived a wonderful married life of nearly 64 years. They traveled extensively and often with their family and friends, which brought great joy to him. Tom began his career with Melpar, a division of E-Systems, in 1958 in the finance division. He rose through the ranks of E -Systems and retired as Chief Financial Officer at Corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas in 1989. Tom’s greatest love’s were his family, his faith, VMI and his “Brother Rats”, and spending time with friends on the golf course. He was loved by many and respected by many more. He taught us how to live and cherish the gifts we have received from above. We are all better people for knowing him. Tom passed away on November 15, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife Norma, daughter Susan McKone, son-in-law Kelly McKone, and grandchildren Tommy McKone, Kelsey McKone and Molly McKone. His grandchildren were his greatest pride. Visitation will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral home, 4800 East Indian School Road on Thursday, November 17 from 6-7 pm with a Rosary following at 7 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 18 at 2:30 pm at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church at 4715 North Central Avenue in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the VMI Scholarship Fund Class of 1950B in Tom’s memory. VMI, Neikirk Hall, 304 Letcher Avenue, PO box 932, Lexington, Virginia 24450.
Ms. Elaine
I was so sorry to hear about Tom. My heart goes out to his family. He loved his family and to say he will be missed doesn’t come close to what is felt. The precious memories shared will never be forgotten. May God grant you comfort and peace during the difficult days ahead. Loving thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with you. 2 Corinthians 1:2-4; Job 14:14, 15; Revelation 21:3, 4.
Joe Jackson
I am so thankful for the conversations I had with Mr. Kelly, over the years. The few times I got to talk to him at family/friend gatherings … he made me feel like I was the only person in the room — GREAT CONVERSATIONS. R.I.P.
Allison Sutherland
It would be hard to find a better person than my treasured godfather, Tom Kelly. A Brother Rat of my dad’s in the VMI class of 50B, they were the very best of friends for 70 years, Always laughing on the phone ’til they practically cried, spreading delight wherever they went.
We are all better for having known Tom Kelly. There will never be another one like him.
Much love,
Allison
Anthony Alberts-Cook
I will always remember the conversations I had with Mr. Kelly. Mr. Kelly always kept the CNAs on their toes. When he needed help he would go through the hallways yelling is there a CNA in the house, and if he couldn’t find anyone, he would yell, “Toooonnnnnyyyyy!!!” One day Mr. Kelly knew I was sad, and he told me to always remember one thing. I asked him what one thing. He told me, “always remember your sleeping bag is waterproof!” RIP
Donna O'Donnell
IT’S HARD TO KNOW HOW TO EXPRESS WORDS OF
SYMPATHY AND COMFORT TO SOMEONE WHO LOSES
A LOVED ONE WHO HAS MEANT SO MUCH FOR SO MANY YEARS.
YOUR SORROW TOUCHES US DEEPLY.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
THE MIKE O’DONNELL FAMILY
John A. Bartelloni
From 1963 until 1978 We Barts regularly enjoyed the company of our neighbors Tom, Norma and Susan Kelly.
Mr. Kelly had many admirable qualities.
Among them was loyalty.
He was true to his faith, his family, and his alma mater VMI.
Mr. Kelly was also very honest.
Many years ago I mentioned a fellow VMI graduate.
He quickly responded, “John, I know him and he is not a good man.”
Aware of how much VMI and its alumni meant to him, I am sure that this revelation must have caused him pain, but he still felt impelled to make it.
I had long respected Mr. Kelly; from that moment I held him in even greater esteem.
My thoughts and prayers are with his widow Norma, his daughter Susan and their family.