Thomas Francis Kelly

Thomas Francis Kelly, 89, of Newark, peacefully walked into God's loving arms on Thursday, September 22, 2016. A husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, a kind, gentle and loving man to this earth, will be greatly missed. The sparkle in his blue eyes and warm smile will be with us until we meet him again. Tom proudly served in the US Army during both WW II and the Korean War where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his honorable discharge, he attended business school and then dedicated 37 years to The General Motors Corporation. He was a member of The United Auto Workers, The Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Council, Newark Senior Center, and a founding member of the Holy Family Parish. Tom was a devoted husband and dedicated his life to his family. He loved traveling, sporting events, and most importantly spending time with his family. Born in Shenandoah, PA, he was the son of John and Margaret (Oestrich) Kelly. He was predeceased by his brother John, and sisters Margaret Sincavage and Regina Shettel. He is survived by his best friend and beloved wife, Theresa (Zynel) Kelly of 66 years; his daughter, Karen Kelly of Newark, 4 sons, Thomas and wife Connie of Newark, Joseph and wife Judy of Elkton, James and wife Pat of Townsend, Michael and wife Brooke of Newark. Tom was a loving grandfather and adored by his 11 grandchildren Mark, Chrissy, Brenda, Melissa, Stacy, Danielle, Shawn, Joe, Michael, Hayden and Caroline. He was also blessed with 12 great grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 noon at Holy Family Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE 19713 on Monday, October 3, 2016. Friends and family may visit at the church from 11:00 am to 12 noon. Committal services, with military honors, will be held at 2:00 pm at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to either Holy Family Parish or Newark Senior Center, 200 White Chapel Drive, Newark, DE 19713.