Thomas C. Kennelly

A Loving Tribute to Thomas Cary Kennelly
Tom breathed his first breath on December 20,1942; a son born to Earl Kennelly and Dorothy Destinon Kennelly, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. God gifted Tom with a brain that loved numbers: math was a delight to him his entire life of 82 years, evident in his love of owning businesses, accounting, taxes, learning new computer programs. He loved to play card games, Cribbage, puzzles and Sudoku. But he especially enjoyed playing Uno and Dominoes with his grandchildren. Whether on the golf course or playing games, Tom loved numbers, and Nathan called his beloved Dad, "The Human Calculator."
Of course, numbers played a big part in Tom's love of NFL Football. He was forever an avid Green Bay Packers fan, and he kept those scores and stats securely his entire life! Of course, being a University of Wisconsin alumni, he cheered for the Badgers, especially in football and basketball. Plus, he learned how to follow that Crimson Tide when he moved South to Alabama.
When Tom was sixteen, God strategically brought him and his family to North 34 Street, Milwaukee, where just two doors away lived a little, lively blond who captivated his heart, and on June 17, 1967, Tom married Elaine Marie Geldner. Together they raised two sons, Matthew Josef and Nathan Thomas.
Tom Kennelly was a sweet, patient, loving husband and a great Dad who loved and cared deeply. Raising boys on Little Cedar Lake was a perfect source of fun for the whole family. Plus, Tom enjoyed many wonderful times with life-long friendships all across America.
Following high school, Tom joined the Army National Guard and served his country during the Berlin Crisis. Graduating in 1967 with a BA Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Tom was a caring pharmacist especially trusted by moms, prompting one customer to exclaim, "When my kids are sick, there's no face I love more than Tom Kennelly's!"
Not only did his Pharmacy businesses thrive, Tom actively improved his community of Hartford, Wisconsin. He spearheaded the formation of the Hartford City Rescue Squad following a tragic death of a young child. For this and other projects, Tom was acknowledged as one of the five Outstanding Young Men in Wisconsin in 1978 by the Jaycees. He was also active in Rotary and Kiwanis. After moving to Huntsville, Alabama, Tom also became an Associate Broker with Keller Williams Realty and was the stalwart "numbers guy" who guided the Owner's Group for over 20 years.
Daily, Tom followed Jesus in faith and commitment to God's Word, investing in people wherever he went and in whatever church they joined. In Huntsville, he mentored a group of young men in a Bible Study, sharing his faith in Jesus Christ and proclaiming God's faithfulness through all circumstances. He participated in the Perdido Key ROMEO group (Retired Old Men Eating Out), and started two ROMEO mens groups, one in Colorado and another in Spanish Fort.
Tom breathed his last breath in the early hours of March 18, 2025, with Elaine and Nathan at his side. He was called home by his loving Savior to engage in the glory of God Almighty!
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his step-father, Herman Tyriver, and his son, Matthew Josef Kennelly. Tom is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elaine Marie Kennelly; his son, Nathan Thomas Kennelly; daughter-in-law, Kayla Elizabeth Kennelly; three grandchildren, Kennon Michael Kennelly, Kaven Forrest Kennelly, and Kali Coast Leola Kennelly; his step-brother, Terry Tyriver and Patricia Geist; his step-sister, Beverly Johnson and brother -in-law, Joel Johnson; his brother-in-law, Eric Geldner and sister-in-law, Aggie Geldner; plus nieces, nephews, cousins, and many loving friends.
Tom had the gift of life and love. In good times, he found ways to make life fun. In trying times, his faith was solid and reassuring. At all times, he did so much to make our lives better.
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE will honor Tom on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, Alabama 36526. Live streaming will be available.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Tom's name to 3 Circle Church, Daphne, Alabama, Southern Care Hospice in Daphne, Alabama, or The Salvation Army, Coastal Alabama
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.