Thomas M. Kelly

Thomas Michael Kelly was born to John Gerard and Helen Flaherty Kelly in Barberton, Ohio on May 26th, 1951. He died peacefully at home after a five-year battle with cancer in Tacoma, Washington on May 30th, 2023, at the age of 72.

Tom was the third of ten children and enjoyed playing sports, especially football for Archbishop Hoban where he graduated in 1969.  He also graduated from Ohio University with BS in Business in 1973.

After college Tom moved to Florida where he eventually became Florida State Manager for Almaden Wines.  Tom then worked in Hawaii on a cruise ship and later became a Merchant Marine Chief Cook.  He was well-regarded on vessels for his great food and uplifting personality, both of which were appreciated by officers and crew alike.  Tom sailed on commercial ships mostly through the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, but occasionally between Tacoma, Washington and Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands.  He eventually sailed through the Panama Canal, and to 27 different countries before retiring in 2017.  His favorite place to vacation was Thailand where he traveled more than 20 times.

A huge sports fan and life-long movie buff, Tom liked to entertain people with his vast knowledge of sports and movie trivia, and he loved to tell jokes, especially puns.  He always tried to “keep it lively” as he put it, and above all, Tom was fun to be around by design.  He often said: “Live every day like it’s your last, because someday you’ll be right!” He was humorous to the end, just like he wanted, and he will be dearly missed by all.

Preceded in death by his parents, older brother John (AnnaMarie) of Medina, Ohio; younger sister Patricia Bell (Keith deceased) of Barberton, Ohio; and niece Amanda Suso of Doylestown, Ohio.  Tom is survived by his sister Katherine of Barberton, Ohio, brother James (Julie) of Bar Harbor, Maine, sisters Regina of Seal Harbor, Maine, Sheila Roberts (Dave) of Tallmadge, Ohio, Mary Glass (Tom) of Mount Desert, Maine, Ann Suso (Paul) of Doylestown, Ohio, and Margaret Sarlouis (John) of Akron, Ohio and many nieces and nephews and cousins. Tom will also be missed by his fellow merchant marines and close friends Tom Gingerich, Mike Gramer, Scott Opsahl, Peter & Joanie Webster, and two very good friends in Thailand, James Little and Dan Dorothy.

Cremation has taken place.  Memorial mass will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Barberton, Ohio. Burial services will be private.

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