Thomas E. Kelkis

Thomas E. Kelkis, age 63, of York, passed away on April 28, 2023 at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. He was the loving husband of Mary W. (Wilke) Kelkis; together they shared over 42 years of marriage.
Thomas was born in Bridgeport, CT on June 25 1959 and was the son of the late Frank, Sr. and Veronica (Adams) Kelkis. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BA in Business and Economics in 1981, National Contract Management Association: CPCM – Certified Professional Contracts Manager, Federal Procurement in 1994, and John Hopkins University with an MBA in International Business in 2000.
Tom joined BAE Systems more than 30 years ago and has served in various leadership positions across contracts, pricing, and estimating functions with his most recent role as the CMS Pricing & Estimating Director where he has been instrumental leading his organizations in key proposals for the business. During his career, Tom's contributions reached much broader than the company as a respected leader in his field participating in outside organizations including serving as a past National President of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and as an adjunct professor at York College of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania State University York campus, teaching a variety of business courses, primarily International Business Management from 2001 to 2013. Tom was also a national speaker and author on government contracts, pricing, ethics, international management, etc.
Tom was frequently recognized for his professional accomplishments having received the Designation of Fellow Award by NCMA in March of 1998, the Charles A. Dana Distinguished Service Award, Issued by NCMA in June 2006, and the Alvin D. Keen Honorary Life Member Award, Issued by NCMA 2012.
Tom was also a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in York where he volunteered with the Pre-Cana Marriage Prep for over 10 years. He also volunteered with Leadership York and was extremely involved with NCMA having served on the Contract Management Institute Board of Trustees in July of 1999, NCMA President Elect in 2001, NCMA National President in July 2002 where he strategically restructured a financially challenged national professional association; his efforts resulted in solvency and financial growth, NCMA National Board of Advisors in July 2003, and NCMA Past National President in 2003
Tom loved to sail on his Beneteau Oceanis 440 sailboat, Summer Breeze, on the Chesapeake Bay. He enjoyed playing the guitar and learning to play his favorite classic rock songs. Tom loved to play golf and took annual golfing trips with his closest friends. His greatest pride was being Poppy to his eight grandchildren. Tom was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather that never took life for granted.
We will remember Tom as a dedicated leader, mentor, and role model. His legacy lies with all those he's influenced over the years and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his loving wife Mary, Tom is survived by his children Adam Kelkis and wife Gina, David Kelkis and wife Emily, Elizabeth Kelkis, and Maryrose Ciha and husband David; and his grandchildren Kaylee, Anastasia, Benedict, Luciana, Genevieve, Evelyn, Adelaide, and Theodore. Tom is also survived by his brothers Frank Kelkis, Jr. and wife Joyce, and Michael Kelkis and wife Carol.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Thomas' Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 10:00AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2935 Kingston Rd., York, PA 17402 with Rev. Brian Olkowski as celebrant. Interment will be held privately by the family. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from 6:00PM – 8:00PM at Beck Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., of East York, 3670 E. Market St., York, PA 17402.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom's memory may be made to the Sarcoma Research Fund of Pennsylvania Hospital, http://www.pennmedicine.org/giving/sarcoma, 800 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Share condolences at www.beckfunerals.com