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Timothy Kelly Obituary

Timothy R. Kelly of Palm Springs, age 64, passed away at home on June 22, 2014. He was a dedicated elementary school teacher for 33 years at Vista Del Monte Elementary School (PSUSD) within a singular classroom until retirement in 2010. Tim is survived by his son, Michael, and grandson, Sky, of Mission Viejo as well as three living siblings. He will be and already is terribly missed by all who knew and loved him.

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Published by The Desert Sun from Jun. 27 to Jun. 29, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Timothy Kelly

42 Entries

Candie McDougall

June 21, 2025

I can't believe that it's been 11 years since you left us. I miss you and our other siblings every day! Until we meet again, please know that I love you!

Frank Slusarczyk

June 21, 2021

He was the prime example of what a good teacher should be. He was one of a kind!

Graduation

Colleen Bishop

June 22, 2015

Saddened and a bit lost...a year has past since Tim did the same. It's been difficult and lonely for those of us still here. Nothing can fill the gap he left - no one else here seems to have has his wisdom, insight, mercy and grace. His guidance and counsel are terribly missed by his family. And his highly intellectual wit is missed by the world. We love you, Tim, and miss you being here...

Carole Burnett

May 8, 2015

I worked with Tim at VDM for many years. He was an amazing man. He always had a big smile on his face. He brightened everyones day. He will always be in my thoughts. Peace be with him. Carole Burnett

William Martisius

July 16, 2014

I have, in my possession, an interesting hand written letter by Tim dated 1988. I'd be more than happy to share with family and friends. The letter is to me, a first year teacher at the time, giving wonderful advice. It's something that should be published abroad.

July 8, 2014

My dear, dear friend Tim,
I miss our Sunday night dinners and our converstaions sprinkled with humor and lots of your dry wit. Carrow's will never be the same, it was your place!

Michael and Sky, I know you both have an empty place in your hearts with the loss of your father and grandfather. We talked about both of your so many times. Sky, you were the apple of your grandpa's eye. He was so proud of you and so enjoyed the times you spent with him here in Palm Springs. According to him, you are destined to do great things. Michael, he was proud of you and I know he always hoped for wonderful things for you.

Tim was a wonderful teacher who truly cared about his students. He was extremely intellectual and always challenged his students to do their best. He enjoyed teaching and was an inspiration to his students.

Tim will be missed but thankfully he isn't in any more pain. God bless you, Tim, Micheal, Sky, Colleen and the rest of your family.
Linda Stevens

July 4, 2014

Janet Acker

July 3, 2014

Tim Kelly was a brilliant man with a tremendous sense of dry humor. Well read, well versed and well spoken and a true friend that I am proud to be associated with. He loved his family and as grandparents talk about the joy of having our wonderful grandchildren. Sky to Tim was the epitome of happiness. He felt honored to have such a wonderful Grandson. He was proud of his son and his determination.
Tim was certainly be missed, but remembered.

Joanie Wilcox

July 2, 2014

Dear Tim,
I will always remember the fun times we had together at VDM. I am so grateful that you were Becca and Vanessa's teacher. They both learned a lot from you, but more importantly, they loved you! You touched so many lives...rest in peace, dear friend.

Bill Martisius

July 1, 2014

How is it that a wonderful fragrance accompanies this weary task? And how is it that the days are suddenly spent and life's essence are reduced to this loathsome quill? That a man's essence is now confined to our checkered and fleeting memory;

with a very heavy heart, I remember Tim.

I found your words of advice to me, a first year teacher; probably the same day you left this dusty plain. I'm going to share it.
I want to thank you for all your years of service. You were very dedicated despite your disabilities, and cheerful too. I marveled at your positive attitude. We're going to miss your rye Irish humor and ready wit. Nothing much got past you. Allow me to drop these petals of thanks, knowing I'm a better man because of you.

Bill Martisius

Manuel Lujan

July 1, 2014

Dear Tim,

May you fly high and be at peace. You will be missed by family and friends but for ever in our hart's. Thank you for the memory of you.

Terry DeHart

June 30, 2014

After the tears have dried and the goodbyes have been said, all we have to hold onto are the happy memories that we've shared with our loved ones who have passed, this is what keeps them alive in our hearts and in our minds, and they will continue to live on, through us. Uncle Tim I will always remember the times we spent at family gatherings chatting and sharing the memories from the past. You will be truly missed and I know that you are in a better place now. Please rest in peace.

Rob Nelson

June 29, 2014

Dearest Tim, I didn't get a chance to get to know u but I bet u were a cool dude! The world lost a great guy! May ur soul rest in peace.

rob Nelson

June 29, 2014

Dear Tim, I didn't really know u but I bet u were a great guy nd I'll be missed. May ur soul rest in peace.

Rae Sullivan

June 29, 2014

Tim, I am so sad to hear of your passing. You were an amazing teacher who taught me how to be a better teacher! You have touched so many lives!! You will be missed!

Colleen Kelly Bishop

June 29, 2014

Once upon a time (well, 1979), Tim and I danced the swing in Clifton Park, NY. Such Peace and Comfort I feel knowing Tim is once again dancing and laughing with that impish grin! Someday not long away, I'll join Tim, Scott, Jeff, and Mom & Dad in the Blessed Eternal and we all celebrate Joy & Love. Miss you much, big Brother….in love and light, your littlest sister.

Lindsey Magnusen

June 29, 2014

Tim,
There are so many conversations and talks I feel like we we're supposed to have before you left us. I promise to make sure Mike's birthday is amazing. I will miss just sitting and talking with you. When you we're at our house, we would all stay up for hours. I have learned some very important life lessons from you and I'll never forget your love and support when I needed it. I only hope you felt I gave you that same love and support back. I promise to look after Mike and Sky forever. Thank you for all of our fun family trips and time together. They meant so much to Mike, me, and the kids. I used to smile when I would look over and see you teaching Lola a math problem or reading to her out of the blue. You we're born to be a teacher, and taught our kids a lot more lessons than just what was in their homework. I'll always be grateful for that. I wish we had more time with you.

I love you, I know in spirit you'll be with Mike and I on our special day.
We'll miss you so much. I know your at peace Tim. Xoxoxoxo

Mr. Kelly

June 29, 2014

"Mr. Kelly" VdM

June 29, 2014

Frank Slusarczyk

June 29, 2014

Frank P.Slusarczyk, fellow teacher 2000-2013 at Vista del Monte,We had some great conversations about life not just school. Tim will be missed.What a great picture. That's Tim.

Dawn Medina

June 28, 2014

Uncle Tim, I'll always remember the fun summers that we spent with you and Mike. I'm thankful for the opportunity to have seen you again one last time and the nice chat that we had. I won't say good bye because I know that I'll see you again someday.

Curt Bond

June 28, 2014

It was a pleasure working with Tim at VdM for ten years. He was a kind man with a great sense of humor. He cared about his students and impacted the lives of many. I'm sorry to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

Katy Wilkerson

June 28, 2014

Tim was one of my son's favorite teachers at VDM. He was a talented caring man who always put his students first. He will be missed.

Diana Mendez

June 28, 2014

Uncle Tim seems unreal that you are gone. I will forever cherish my childhood summers with you and Mike in Palm Springs. You were such a bright, silly, and loving person. You will be greatly missed.

Davey

June 28, 2014

I will miss Uncle Tim everyday. I will always remember me and my brother spending school breaks with Tim and Mike. He had an amazing heart. Rest In Peace.

Alex Neighbor

June 27, 2014

My family was lucky to have known him, even for the short while we did. I would have liked to have gotten a D&D class from him back in the day. He raised a good son who raised a good son, that's the biggest accomplishment around. Love from the Terni St. neighbors.

Candie (Kelly) McDougall

June 27, 2014

Teaching was truly your destiny. You were influential to so many young lives while doing what you genuinely loved to do. Not everyone can say that about their professions. Thank you for being a great role model to so many over the years. I will miss your sense of humor and your powerful way of expressing your thoughts and beliefs. May you rest in peace knowing that your family loves you and will miss you dearly!

Randy Bishop

June 27, 2014

Uncle Tim,
What great adventures we had traveling through, flying above, and exploring your beloved Desert! Thanks so much for helping create wonderful times and great memories. You will be sorely missed

Patty Kelly

June 27, 2014

Tim a very dear and much loved brother-in-law I always enjoyed talking with. I will miss you greatly. Safe and free from life struggles in God's hands now. Eternal peace be with you

Kelly Schindler

June 27, 2014

Thank you for being such a great colleague and friend. We had some great conversations during my time at Vista del Monte and I will cherish them always. Glad you are now pain free....no more scooter!!!! Hugs, love and prayers to the Kelly family during this difficult time. May you rest in peace Tim!

Terri Falzone

June 27, 2014

Tim, I miss you so much already!! You are in a better place, free of pain! I don't what I will do without you! We've been very close friends for over 50 years - you were always 'there' for me when I needed to talk about anything!! Over the years, all our letters and emails, we ended with TTFN - so, 'big brother' - Ta Ta For Now - until we meet again! Love, Terri

Dena Azzolin

June 27, 2014

Tim, you were an inspiration to so many of us, kids and adults alike. I was always in awe of your stapler collection! :) Praying that God bless your family during this difficult time!

Chelsea Bishop

June 27, 2014

My uncle Tim is one of the reasons I decided to be a teacher. He was hugely influential on me when I was much younger, and that passion for teaching has followed me through all of my education. I hope to do him proud. He will be remembered as an incredible father, grandfather, uncle, and teacher to innumerable students. Thank you, Uncle Tim, for being such an inspiration. I love you and miss you!

Audrey Joseph

June 27, 2014

Mr. Kelly, even after 22 years, I will never forget you! Thank you for being a warm, light-hearted and amazing 5th grade teacher to me at Vista Del Monte!

Michael Kelly

June 27, 2014

Hey dad, I miss you so much! You are my best friend. I'm so thankful we talked almost every day. You have always taught me how to get out of any bad situation and every night since you passed I have the same dream where I get the call from the deputy telling me you have passed away and I negotiate with him until he says you can live longer. I get excited and wake up then realize it was a dream. I know you would say that is so me and laugh if you were still here.
I would like everyone who reads this to know what a wonderful father and amazing grandfather you were. You were one of a kind and were always there for me and anyone else that asked for your help. Your quick wit and great sense of humor attracted so many people to you. You knew EVERYONE in Palm Springs. It was rare to out to dinner or even to the store without someone running up and saying “Hi Mr. Kelly!” I love you so much and you will always live in my heart.

J.W. Irwin

June 27, 2014

Mr. Kelly you are one of my favorite teachers. I'll always remember you. Rest in peace.

1992 VDM graduation day

J.W. Irwin

June 27, 2014

Michael Kelly

June 27, 2014

Hey dad, I miss you so much! You are my best friend. I'm so thankful we talked almost every day. You have always taught me how to get out of any bad situation and every night since you passed I have the same dream where I get the call from the deputy telling me you have passed away and I negotiate with him and he says you can live longer. I get excited and wake up then realize it was a dream. I know you would say that is so me and laugh if you were still here.
I would like everyone who reads this to know what a wonderful father and amazing grandfather you were. You were one of a kind and were always there for me and anyone else that asked for your help. Your quick wit and great sense of humor attracted so many people to you. You knew EVERYONE in Palm Springs. It was rare to out to dinner or even to the store without someone running up and saying “Hi Mr. Kelly!” I love you so much and you will always live in my heart.

Dave Kelly

June 27, 2014

I know you love to fly and now you have taken the Ultimate Flight, away from the pain and headed for new beginning. You are missed by all Brother. Buckle Up and Soar.

Joy Meredith

June 27, 2014

Rest in Peace.... You helped and guided so many children over the years with love and support.... Thank you.

Colleen Bishop

June 27, 2014

Dearest Tim-there is an empty spot, a hollow-hole, a deep absence without you here. So grateful you're free of the pain that you've endured for decades. You've touched so many lives in profound ways that this World will never be the same. I love you...

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