Mr. Thomas "Tom" Matthew Kelley

Thomas Matthew Kelley (67, Arlington, VA) passed peacefully on February 11, 2022 surrounded by family, friends, clergy, and compassionate medical personnel as he ascended due to a variety of non-covid related medical complications.

Tom was a coach, mentor, advocate, leader, and teammate. Theresa Rosemary Cummings and Richard John Kelley, veterans of the Greatest Generation, brought him into this world on June 12, 1954. Thirty years later, Tom married "the love of his life" Suzanne Marie (George) Kelley, who for nearly forty years was by his side through thick and thin. During this time he also became dad to his son, and forever best bud and copilot, William (Billy) Lynch. Tom was a proud alum of Powers Catholic High School in Flint, Michigan, and the University of Michigan. He began his career teaching English at his alma mater, Powers. But after forming his immediate family, at the urging of his father, he set a meeting with his congressperson, Dale E. Kildee, who immediately recognized his talent and asked him to move to Washington, DC to serve as a legislative assistant working on education policy. Tom, Susie, and Billy were soon on their way.

During his rich career, in partnership with his wife, Susie, Tom helped to make laws that made it easier for people to get a quality education, get their first job, support their communities, and ensure persons with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of the American experience. President Bill Clinton appointed Tom to serve as Deputy Director of Legislation at the Department of Education, and President Barack Obama began his administration by asking Tom to run this same office. Tom also directed the federal program helping centers for independent living across the United States to support persons with disabilities to fully participate in American life. Tom volunteered on the boards of multiple organizations dedicated to fair labor laws, independent living, education, and his immediate community.

Tom is survived by his wife Susie; son Billy and wife Bernadette Wittschen, and grandchildren, Kelley, Emilia, and George; his sister Laura Clark; brother Brian and Nanette Kelley; longtime family friend Ivelisse Auffant; sister-in-law Cindy; nephew Timothy and Annie, and children Avery, Patrick, and Jameson; and niece Melissa. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Terry, brother Denny, sister Kathy, and brother-in-law Jim.

Tom's celebration of life services will be held at Murphy Funeral Home in Falls Church, Virginia on March 5, 2022 with a 2-2:30 family viewing and 2:30-6 public viewing. A funeral mass will occur on Monday, March 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas More in Arlington, Virginia. Strict covid precautions will be observed and both services will be accessibly livestreamed and recorded.

In lieu of flowers, Tom's family asks that you consider a donation to the athletic department at Powers and independent living supports for persons with disabilities through the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia. Tom's family requests that we honor his legacy by continuing to support independent living, caretaking, integration, education, volunteerism, mentoring, patience, selflessness, and social justice.