Thomas P. Kelly

KELLY, Thomas Pierce, 75, of Harrington Park, formerly of Norwood, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2015. Beloved husband of Mary (nee Sullivan). Devoted father of Thomas Kelly of Ocean Port, NJ, Kathleen Kennedy and her husband, Joseph, of Blauvelt, NY and Daniel and his wife, Kerry, of Norwood, NJ. Cherished grandfather of Kelly, J.T., Shane, Ellena, Melissa, Breanna, Jacklyn, Brayden and Pierce. Also survived by his sister-in-law, Thelma Kelly of Briarwood, NY his brother-in-laws, John Sullivan of Hackensack, NJ and Michael and Bettie Sullivan of Quague, NY. Predeceased by his brothers John and Hugh.
Thomas grew up in Rockaway Beach, the youngest of three boys. He attended St. Francis of Assisi grammar school in Belle Harbor, NY. He then went on to Mount Assumption High School in Plattsburgh, NY. Upon graduating, he moved back home to Rockaway Beach and followed in his father and brothers’ footsteps becoming an Ironworker for Local 580 in NYC while attending Brooklyn College at night. Later, he worked for the Port Authority of NY/NJ at both the George Washington Bridge and the World Trade Centers. Tom then founded his own contracting business, Tom Kelly Improvements, which he ran for 30 years. He was a passionate builder that left his indelible mark in the Norwood area having beautified so many homes.
Tom was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Immaculate Conception Council 9021 in Norwood, having served as Grand Knight for three years. He was an active parishioner at Immaculate Conception Parish for nearly 50 years. He, together with his wife Mary, served their parish in several ministries including CCD, Marriage Encounter, RENEW and Pre-Cana.
Tom will be remembered as a gentle giant with a love for his family, his Irish heritage and a man who had many friendships. He was a charismatic soul who was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 11 at 12:00 noon at Sacred Heart RC Church, 102 Park Street, Haworth, NJ, 07641. Visiting hours are Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ 07647.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Saint Joseph Regional High School, 40 Chestnut Ridge Road, Montvale, NJ 07645.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com