Thomas F. Kelly Jr., 77, of Newport passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer at home surrounded by his loving family.
Tom was the son of the late Thomas F. Kelly Sr and Anna (Hamilton) Kelly. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 53 years Joan (Crowley) Kelly, his three daughters and son in laws and his six grandchildren: Colleen and Christopher Emerson and their children Matthew and Cailin. Karen and David Downes and their children Julia and John. Kristin and John Stahl and their children Dylan and Patrick. And his loyal golden retriever, Sophie Jean.
Tom also leaves his siblings, Richard and Joan Kelly of Newport, Patricia and Michael Martin of Newport and David and Maryann Kelly of Westport, MA. He is predeceased by his brother Robert (Larry) Kelly who was survived by Sherry Kelly of Aiken, South Carolina. As well as many nieces and nephews.
Tom graduated from De La Salle Academy, Providence College and attended Salve Regina University. He taught special education for 28 years starting at Mumford School and retired while working at Underwood School. He also worked at the La Forge Casino Restaurant for 42 years. Most recently he was a partner with his grandson, John Downes at TFK Landscaping. He was a member of St Joseph’s Parish, Newport and Hazard’s Beach.
Tom had a quick wit, a great sense of humor and touched the lives of so many. He was happiest spending time with his family, family vacations and family dinners always gave him so much joy. He was an avid music lover who instilled in his family the love of many types of music. In his spare time he loved to play golf and working on his many projects.
Visiting hours will be Thursday, October 11, 2018 from 4-7 pm in the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring Street, Newport.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 12, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Church, corner of Broadway & Mann Avenue, Newport at 9:30 am. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery, 465 Brown’s Lane, Middletown.
In memory of his great love for dogs, we ask that donations be made in lieu of flowers to Save a Lab Rescue, Newport by visiting www.savealabrescue.org.
