Thomas Rettig Keleher

Thomas Rettig Keleher, beloved brother, brother in law, uncle, cousin and friend died Monday, November 13, 2017, following a nearly 2 year battle with cancer. Tom was born in Burlington, VT on June 10, 1950. He was a son of the late John J. and Marie (Rettig) Keleher.

Tom was raised in Wethersfield, graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1968 and shortly after joined the Navy. He served 4 years during the Vietnam War, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal. Most of Tom's work years were spent in sales, and anyone who knew him, knew he was a born salesman. Most recently Tom worked as a skilled and creative handy man in the Manchester area. This was a great fit for him. Tom loved to cook and was the only one allowed to prepare gravy for family Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. A large family party meant Tom was in charge of the menu and the grill. He was an accomplished singer and talented guitar player. He will be fondly remembered for leading the Irish sing alongs on St. Patrick's Day and the family Carol Sing every Christmas evening.

Tom is survived by his brothers, John and Jane of West Hartford, Robert and Carolyn of Manchester, Andrew and Sarah of Columbia and Michael and Brenda of Hebron; his sisters Lynn Keleher of Willimantic, Marie and George White of East Haddam; his very special 11 nieces and nephews who will miss their loving, quirky, funny, entertaining Uncle Tom; his 13 great nieces and nephews, and devoted friends Pete and Lois Leber as well as Carol and Tim Becker.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 25 at 11:00 AM at the First Church of Christ, 250 Main St, Wethersfield. Interment will be private. Donations in Tom's memory may be made to First Church of Christ, 250 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109. The D'Esopo Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.