Thomas “Tom” Kelley, 68, a longtime resident of Hadley, died peacefully in his sleep at his home on January 9th, 2019. A gentle and kind soul, Tom was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence T. and Mary Kelley of Amherst; beloved “Citizen Journalist” and brother, Larry, from Amherst, who died in a well-publicized car crash in Belchertown in February of 2017. He was also predeceased by his nephew, Andy Garcia, of Ashburn, VA. Mr. Kelley is survived by his sister, Margaret Garcia and her husband Pedro, Ashburn, VA; his nephew Peter, a brother, Marty his wife Charlene, Endicott, NY; former sister-in-law, Donna Kelley; and Tom’s beloved nieces, Kira and Jada, of Belchertown; and a very special friend, Paul Britt of Amherst. Mr. Kelley attended the former St. Michael’s High School in Northampton and graduated from Amherst Regional High School. For many years Tom worked in Building & Grounds at Hampshire College and was eventually promoted to Campus Security. Tom’s career at Hampshire was short-circuited by a foot injury that caused his eventual retirement. Even though he was disabled, Tom would often visit the campus and strike up humorous conversations with students that adored Tom for his candor and humor. Tom was also very giving of his time to his community as he volunteered countless hours at the Amherst Boys Club and for his brother Larry and business partner, Kirik Jenness, at the Amherst Athletic Club. In his later years, Tom developed a talent for making jewelry. And he could be found at flea markets in the area selling his wares. He particularly enjoyed renting a booth at the Campus Center at the University of Massachusetts where he liked “to work over the students with his pricing strategies.” Tom was a die-hard New England Patriots fan and enjoyed attending games in Foxboro. He cultivated two new Patriot fans for life; his loving nieces Kira and Jada. Tom outfitted Jada with her own “Gronk” shirt that she would wear on Sundays for “game day”. Tom loved those girls with all his heart.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, January 17th, at 10 a.m. at St. Brigid’s Church, Amherst, with burial following in St. Brigid’s Cemetery, Hadley. Calling hours will be Wednesday, January 16th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Douglass Funeral Home, Amherst.