Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Kelleher Obituary
01/16/1949 - 05/12/2024
Thomas Andrew Kelleher son of the late John E. and Julia Bove Kelleher of New Haven, passed away on May 12, 2024. He was a beloved husband, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Tommy was born in New Haven, and graduated from the University of New Haven. After graduation he moved to San Francisco, CA and soon after, met his life partner Ken. Tom deeply loved the city and the surrounding areas, where he worked for for several prominent law firms throughout his career.
He was a seasoned world traveler, frequently visiting places such as Vietnam, India, Thailand as well as many other unique countries. He was an avid antique collector and many of his find were showcased throughout his home.
Tommy is survived by his Husband of 47 years, Kenneth Woods, his sister Sheila Kelleher Gibbons, nephew Peter Gibbons and his wife, Laurie Gibbons, his niece Stephanie Gibbons, great nephew Matthew Gibbons, many cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as close family friend Naomi Steenson. He was predeceased by his brother Dr. John E. Kelleher.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Kelleher
Sponsored by Tulip Cremation- California.
2 Entries
Kenneth Castellano
May 19, 2024
Before there was Google, there was Tom Kelleher. My dear, wonderful friend was one of the brightest people I know. He loved to learn new things and then share that knowledge with others. If ever I had a question about art, science, history, culture or cuisine, I was sure to call Tom.
I met Tom 50 years ago, shortly after he graduated magna cum laude from the University of New Haven. We were both working at Yale New Haven Medical Center, where he managed a surgical research lab. In 1975 we quit our jobs and took a Greyhound bus to California where we both stayed and remained friends for all these years.
He was an avid traveler with a knack for learning languages. When I told Tom that I wish I knew the Neapolitan dialect before taking a trip to southern Italy, he started quoting Neapolitan proverbs that he had learned from his mother Julia. I was surprised at how many he knew! It became a running gag and another fun way for Tom to impart knowledge with some old world wisdom too.
I will miss the kindness, curiosity and droll sense of humor of my irreplaceable old friend. My heartfelt condolences to Tom's spouse Ken Woods, and the Kelleher, Bove and Gibbons families.
Stephanie Gibbons
May 18, 2024
Couldn't have had a better uncle, friend, mentor. I love you and miss you Tommy.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Kelleher's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Thomas Kelleher
Funeral services provided by:
Tulip Cremation- California575 Market Street 5th Floor #513, San Francisco, CA 94105
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Kelleher's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
