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Thomas Kelly Obituary
Firefighter Thomas W. Kelly, 50, wasn't one for telephone chit-chat — "Hihowareyo, here's Kitty" was his standard greeting as he turned a call over to his wife — but his actions shouted. He quietly stuck by his friends, worked a second job to help his widowed mother, and at Ladder Company 15 in Manhattan was known as Mr. Dependable, a mentor to the probies. But, his sister, Maureen Paglia said, "Tommy never wanted praise for anything."
Something else his actions shouted: this Sinatra fan and father of two sons had a big, squishy, sentimental streak. Raised in Brooklyn, he bled Dodger blue so truly that he paid $1,420 for an original seat from Ebbets Field. Firefighter Kelly, who lived in Staten Island, collected bats, cards, statistics and baseball caps from special events. He was so proud of his little brother Dennis that he saved his sports trophies, newspaper clippings and diplomas, from grammar school on, and presented them after the birth of Dennis's second child.
His wife saw that sentimental streak on their first date, in September 1971. Mr. Kelly, then a steamfitter, took her to his construction site, his grandest project: the 40th floor of 2 World Trade Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 11, 2023
Never forgotten. Your life is celebrated today. May the joy you brought to others during your years on earth, provide peace and comfort. Rest in peace
Jennifer Bingaman
September 11, 2021
I completed the Phoenix, AZ Tower Challenge today. It was an honor to climb in memory of Thomas. God Bless.
Lili
September 4, 2019
Hello,
My name is Lili, and Im from North Dakota. As a part of a 9/11 school project i researched Thomas W. Kelly. I learned a lot about Mr. Kelly. We, the students at my high school, can not imagine the grief and the pain you still feel 18 years later. Please know that your beloved Thomas W. Kelly is being remembered with utmost respect and will live on as a hero in all of our eyes. My hope for you, his family and friends, is that there is some comfort in knowing that a group of teens somewhere out there is honoring and remembering your loved one to the highest regards.
Ben Ojinaga
September 12, 2016
I had the privilege to climb for Thomas yesterday at the Denver 9/11 stair climb. I would like the opportunity to correspond with you to learn more about Thomas.
Blessings,
Ben Ojinaga
Greeley Colorado Fire Department
[email protected]
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Antonio Mendoza
September 9, 2014
I will be placing a flag on Sept 11, in memory of Karol, in the Quad of Hartnell College in Salinas, CA.
Kayla
May 1, 2013
Hi I'm researching Thomas W. Kelly for school and I was wondering what he was like as a person. Thank you Please write back.
Joe Biserta
September 11, 2011
Tommy,I will always love ya, and miss ya.god bless Kitty, and the boys.
September 11, 2011
Ben and Charles,
Thank you for honoring the memory of my brother Tom with your heartfelt gestures.
Sincerely,
The Kelly Family
(Dennis)
Ben Fleagle
September 3, 2011
To the Family of Thomas Kelly, I am a fireman. And many years ago I paid for a memorial bracelet, I chose Tom Kelly, because my first officer was named Tom Kelly. I had really respected him. Since then, I wear Tom Kelly's name on my wrist every time I donn my Class A uniform and at every firefighter function. From what I have learned, I would truly liked to have known the man. So I just wanted you to know, ten years later, I still remember.
God Bless,
September 11, 2010
Hello,
Today is September 11, 2010. I live here in Laredo, Texas and today we had a 9-11 memorial motorcycle rally. Every rider wore a pendant with the name of a person who lost their live on that tragic day in September. I wore Thomas W. Kelly on my neck for the ride. Just to let you guys know we have not forgotten him. Even though we never met and are thousands of miles away, Mr. Kelly’s memory still lives on today!
Thank You,
Charles Lugo
[email protected]
Laredo, Texas
September 11, 2009
Uncle Tommy,
It is 9/11/09 and Daddy is gone and Im sure hes with you.Laughing at how silly I am I cant help but cry for you great brothers from Brooklyn. I dedicate my life to seeing through the crew ( U know what I mean) Uncle Tom James has been choosen to lead the men in pitching and swears hell never play for the Yankees but hell do what his mama tells him .Love n always thinking of you! Mary Ann
Lisa Iraci
November 12, 2007
Dear Uncle Tom,
We all miss you and think of you always. You always had a big heart,just like my dad. When I lost my son,Galileo you lifted my spirit. I will never forget the day you called and how you made me feel.Thankyou so much for that!! I know your with Galileo and that makes me happy. Take care of my little boy in heaven Uncle Tom
Love,your niece Lisa
Doug Abraham
September 18, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
P Tabbernor
November 24, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 7, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Patsy Jo Reed Sircy
October 27, 2006
Very sorry about your loss! Sincere sympathy, Pat - R.N. in TN
Louis Chinal
April 6, 2006
I was proud to call Tommy a friend.
Louis Chinal FDNY [email protected]
James Johnson
September 11, 2005
God Bless You...
Kelly Deryshire-Boyle
January 29, 2005
For My Family and Beloved Uncle Tommy,
I am thinking of our family and the many other families like ours today and everyday. It does not get any easier even on this day --a few years' later... If any of you find your way here I will say how I will never let Tommy's memory diminish and the sacrifice he made. I think of the other families and remember them in my prayers everyday. Tomorrow my husbands' high school team St. Patrick High School which he coaches, will play in a 9/11 scholarship event for WTC victim Tom Crotty at St. John's University. I sat here tonight writing about you and your story in case they mention you on MSG tomorrow and our reason for happily agreeing to be in this special event . The Crotty family and the Kelly family share a bond of a loss no one should know... One was trying to save the other really.. both were lost. I passed on your life story as best as I could in case they mention the conection on MSG tomorrow .I hope if they do - it will make my family know -he is not forgotten and very much missed . We have a scholarship for our basketball day camp in Clark,NJ -The Thomas W. Kelly Service Award. It honors you Uncle Tommy and rewards children who do service and volunteer work. Hopefully recognizing these kids will make them continue helping others and perhaps become a firefighter like you did
mary ann kelly
December 21, 2003
uncle tommy,
Im still thinkin of you...now im a woman or a kid tryin to be a woman we got sadaam... but we dont have you!!!i feel a lil angry i want u here
i see your picture on the fridge n hold a Bud 4 u a toast ..damn i wish id have know u know u would love the kids. the yanks are sitll goin strong...lol i know youre watching over us
miss u
Kathleen/Tommy Flaherty
September 13, 2003
Mary Ann
We will always think of your uncle Tommy. He is a real hero.
Love Tommy and Kathleen.
Mary Ann Kelly
September 11, 2003
Dear Uncle Tommy,
You are truly missed...Especially at Christmas I remember You videotaping Kristis 1st Christmas. In having that tape she'll be able to remember you. Then again I'd much prefer her to know you today making new memories..and thank you for being there for Rob when he needed you the most. You were a hero before 9/11 to me and wish you were here to teach James the game of baseball seeing how he is the biggest n youngest baseball fan you'll ever know. Love n miss you ...
Mary Ann,Kristi,James
Debbie J
September 10, 2003
Dear Kelly Family - As the two year anniversary of that tragic day approaches I just wanted you to know that you are remembered daily in my prayers. I also wear a band bearing Thomas' name and I wear it proudly.
God Bless
JOHN SEILER
August 29, 2003
HELLO MY NAME IS JOHN SEILER I CAME ON THE JOB WITH TOMMY ON 3-5-1984. WE WERE IN THE SAME SQUAD IN PROBY SCHOOL. ON TAT TERRIBLE DAY OUR CLASS LOST THREE WONDERFUL FIREMEN AND GENTLEMEN TOMMY DONNY REGAN AND BILL MCGINN MAYGOD BLESS THEM AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Rich & Debbie Byrnes
February 1, 2003
Dear Kitty, Maureen, & family. You are still in our thoughts and prayers. WE will never forget!!! God Bless
MILLIE BALESTRIERI
October 14, 2002
DEAR KITTY, I MISS YOU SO MUCH I KEEP YOU AND THE BOYS IN MY PRAYERS TRY TO HANG IN THERE.
Marlin Roseland
September 17, 2002
Dear Kelly's,
I have a bracelet with Thomas Kelly's name engraved on it. No middle name is included, so I share
the honor with the other Thomas Kelly family...both families are in my thoughts and prayers...God Bless,
Marlin Roseland
SUZANNE PERRY
September 12, 2002
THOMAS, I PICKED YOUR NAME FROM A BASKET TO DECORATE A CARD TO BE DISPLAYED IN THE COMMON AREA OF R.I. HOSPITAL, IT READS...........
OUR FLAG WILL ALWAYS FLY AT HALF-MAST, IN MY HEART FOR YOU, FOR YOUR SUPREME HEROISM, FOR YOUR ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, FOR THOSE PEOPLE YOU DID NOT KNOW, FOR ME.....THANK YOU
Rachael
September 11, 2002
Dear Kelly family,
I am proud to say that I have the honor of wearing the wristband of Thomas. It reads "Thomas W. Kelly 51." It is incredibly sad what happened that day. I can't even begin to imagine the pain you are going through. I will hold on to this bracelet and pray for your family. At my highschool each student has a bracelet with a name of a victim of the tragedy. May God be with us all.
*~Rachael~*
Scott Zumwalt
September 10, 2002
Dear Thomas,
I will be proud to wear a ribbon in honor of you on the one year anniversary of September 11. As a Georgetown Student, and a native New Yorker, I will wear the ribbon around campus the entire day and throughout the candelight vigil tomorrow night.
-God Bless
Tom Ansbro
September 10, 2002
To The Kelly Family,
On Behalf of the Ansbro Family from Good Old Brooklyn, we extend our deepest Sympathy. The extreme sacrifice to save your fellow Man will never be forgotten!
Keep your chin up Den-Den...Tommy will always be with you!
T.A.
Dorothy Reebe
September 10, 2002
Tommy,
Heaven is alittle safer and earth is alot sadder.Thank you, brave soldier of God.
Kitty,
I think of you everyday. May God bless and keep you all.
Cindy Lehan
September 7, 2002
Kitty and family, my heart aches for you. There isn't a day that goes by without you being in my thoughts and prayers. Always remember the good times you shared and take comfort in knowing that some day God will reunite you once again.
Trinity Boyd
August 27, 2002
Not ten minutes ago, I recieved a bracelet bearing Thomas's name. Please know that the family and friends of this true American hero will forever be in my heart and prayers. God Bless you all for what you've been through and survived.
Angie Campbell
May 2, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Rosemarie Martinez
April 25, 2002
Thomas,
It is with honor that I wear the bracelet in memory of you. Thank you for your bravery on Sept. 11. You will never be forgotten.
Rosemarie
Mary Ann & John Gorman
March 24, 2002
On behalf of the entire Gorman Family, we mourn your loss. We knew Tom from the old neighborhood. Very sorry for your loss.
Mary C. Smith
March 12, 2002
Dear Thomas-I received my wristband 4 days ago and you are no longer a stranger to me. My prayers are with you often. Thank you for your bravery and courage.
Mel Bollinger
March 9, 2002
I am wearing a wrist band with your name, Thomas. Thank You for serving for us, and I am sorry for your loss. And Thank You for helping build such beautiful buildings, I am sorry we had to lose them. Keep Heaven safe for us. Sincerely, Mel Bollinger, Fire Department, Dodge City, Kansas.
February 11, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS HERO FIREMAN THOMAS W.KELLY AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY JESUS..ST.THOMAS AND THE OTHER THOMAS KELLY MEET AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Shirley Weed
February 1, 2002
My family is sorry for yor loss!
Teresa Jahn
December 27, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Thomas. We thank him for dedicating his life to helping others as a firefighter. Such dedication comes with a brave, warm and caring heart filled with love for his fellow man. May his courage, life and love live on in those who love him. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Judy Cherbonneau
December 8, 2001
On September 11, you graced the doorstep in Heaven. This is where you now live, with God. You live with God because that is where all heroes live after they leave this earth. My heart, sympathy, & prayers go out to your family, friends and comrades. One thing is certain, you have great company in heaven. You have 342 fellow firefighters to visit with and the other victims who perished on that terrible day in September, 2001!
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