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THOMAS KELLEHER Obituary

KELLEHER, THOMAS R., 85, retired NFL official, passed on March 30, 2011 in Miami, FL, surrounded by loved ones. Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and attended Northeast Catholic H.S., Holy Cross College in Worcester Massachusetts and served in the USMC in WWII. Tom's career included work with the office of Naval Intelligence and the Dept. of Defense, an Executive with Wilson Sporting Goods Co.,Marketing and Real Estate Development and was best known for his 33 years with the NFL. He moved with his family to Miami in 1963, recently of Coral Gables, FL. Beloved husband of Grace Hughes, loving father of Tom (Mary Lou), Kevin (Brenda), Grace Kelleher, Marty (Annemarie), Bridgid Myers (Chris), Karen Carey (Bill), Jean Hart (Tom) and Dennis (Michele) and also was devoted to his 25 grand-children and 3 great- grandchildren. Brother of Mary Rauch, Ruth Heidecker, George, Ann Boyle, and the late Joe, Ed, Clara Misner and Jack. Donations may be made to the NFL Alumni "Caring for Kids" at 3696 N. Federal Highway, Suite 202, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308-6262. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00AM, Monday, April 4, 2011 @ St. Richard Catholic Church, 7500 SW 152 Street, Palmetto Bay, Florida with burial and Military Honors following at Miami Memorial Park, 6200 SW 77 Avenue. Friends may call from 6-9PM, Sunday, April 3, 2011 with a 7:00PM, Rosary, Wake service at: View this Guest Book at www. MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Miami Herald on Apr. 3, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Tania cruz

March 28, 2025

I only met Mr. Kelleher a couple of times, but knowing the wonderful man his son, Dennis, is he must have been an amazing man and father.

John Morris

June 6, 2011

Very sad to see this...
Belated prayers and best wishes to your large and wonderful family, each of whom I felt like I 'knew' after spending time with Karen at Bogey's in the early 80's!
I used to occasionally bump into Mr. K. in the Atlanta airport on Sunday nights when I used to fly a lot with Sys. One/EAL. Even though he might be tired from working a ball game that afternoon, he would always have a smile and a kind word.
God Bless all of you...

PETER TSERONIS

April 16, 2011

You are with the Lord now. You are at peace and will be with your loved ones again some day. God Bless, and our deepest sympathies are with you.

Dennis and his family are dear friends of ours. I had the fortune of meeting you and Mrs. Kelleher when I was visiting Dennis back in 2001.

Kathy Mackay

April 9, 2011

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

April 5, 2011

My deepest sympathy at this time of great sorrow for the loss of your beloved and dear Tom. He will always be missed, remembered and loved by all who knew him. Nellie Baeza Cruz (Pearland, TX)

Helen Graf

April 5, 2011

Dear Mrs.Kelleher and family,
When I called my dad he told me of Mr. Kelleher's passing. Please know my family and, especially my dad, is thinking and praying for all of you. My dad so very much wanted to be with you at this time, but he knew the trip would be too much for him. He reminisced about all the good times they shared, such cherished memories. I told him Rita would be at the gate with her arms wide open to welcome Tom home. Imagine the laughs they are sharing again together. I told Dad they will see each other again on the great football field in heaven and be the amazing team they always were and treasured. I remember Dad taking me to Florida when he had a game to officiate and meeting many of you. Dad has offered Masses in Tom's memory and know that the entire Graf family is thinking of you at this sad time.May your memories bring you comfort, and may God bless each of you.

GEORGE RUGGIANO

April 5, 2011

GRACE, MY DEEPEST CONDOLANCES FROM ME AND MY FAMILY. I TOLD YOU THAT I REMEMBERED YOUR DAD DURING THE NFL GAMES I WATCHED. THE ONLY THING THAT WE HAVE IN LIFE IS THE WAY WE LIVE.THE LIFE HE LIVED MUST MAKE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY VERY PROUD.GEORGE

April 4, 2011

Dear Grace, Dennis and all your family ~

I am so sad to hear of Tom's passing. My heart aches for you and all who knew and loved him. He is one in a million. I cherish a story he once told me about an angel visitation. He was a significant role model for my son and so many of the boys he coached. Sending you my love and prayers...
Cathy Grave de Peralta (Canberra, Australia)

Chris Williams

April 4, 2011

May the God af all comfort bring your family peace at this time. (Psalms 119:76)

Jane Banach

April 4, 2011

Dear Aunt Grace and family,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Uncle Tom. I'm so grateful l had the opportunity to visit with him and your wonderful family at Aunt Mary's "reunion". I'm sure his Irish spirit, passion for life, devotion to family, numerous strengths and good humor will continue to live on through all of you. Please know you are all in my prayers.
Love, Jane (Aunt Ruth's daughter)

Pierre Imar

April 4, 2011

I remember #25 and the way he maintained his integrity. My father, who referee'd professional soccer, admired Mr. K and enjoyed their conversations about the games they loved, their families and the Yorkshire. I send my condolences to the entire family during this tough time. Remember all the fun times...

Christine Roache McDowell

April 3, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Kelleher's passing. I know how difficult this time is, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so glad I had the chance to visit with Mr and Mrs. Kelleher last October. May peace be with you all.
Love,
Chris Roache McDowell

Tania Cruz

April 3, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your family unity and faith will help you during this painful time.

John McPhee

April 3, 2011

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Bruni&Manolo Baeza

April 3, 2011

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Ware Cornell

April 3, 2011

Tom Kelleher was to prototype of NFL officials. He served in the officiating squad of five Superbowls, most notably as back judge in Superbowl VII, which concluded the undefeated season. You might have hoped he would give the Dolphins the benefit of the doubt, but he never did. He called games as he saw them.

Richard Golightly,Jr

April 3, 2011

Another STAR in the sky tonight.....
Holy Rosary, early 60's
Richard

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