Thomas Joseph Kelly

Thomas Joseph Kelly, 87, of Providence, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2022 at Roger Williams Hospital.

Tom was born on January 31, 1935 in Bansha, County Tipperary, Ireland and immigrated to the United States on March 19, 1966. He was pre-deceased by his father, Edward Kelly, his mother, Elizabeth Kelly (nee Mahoney), his aunt, Ellen Mahoney, his niece Caitriona Dolan, and baby grandnephew Conor. Tom is survived by his loving sister Philomena, nephews Pat and Enda, nieces Marie and Roseanne, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and his many friends in Ireland and the United States.

Tom worked at Bulova Watch, B.A. Ballou, and the U.S. Post Office before retiring in 2011. He was a faithful communicant of Saint Augustine Church. A proud Irishman, he enjoyed all things Irish, especially reading Irish newspapers and magazines, watching Gaelic sporting events at the Irish Cultural Center and, in his younger days, playing the bagpipes. He was fluent in the Irish language. Tom was a founding member of the RI Unit of Irish Northern Aid, the RI 1916 Committee, and the RI Irish Famine Memorial Committee. Well-respected for his honesty and trustworthiness, Tom was often asked to serve as treasurer. No one ever had to worry about the finances with Tom in charge. But above all, Tom was deeply committed to his dream of a united Ireland. Because he inspired so many with his knowledge and passion, his work will continue: “Tiocfaidh ár lá, Tomás” (“Our Day Will Come”).

The wake will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith St. in Providence. His funeral will begin on Friday at 8:45 am at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Augustine Church, 639 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence. Interment will be at Saint Ann Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the RI 1916 Committee (to build a monument honoring the 10 Irish hunger strikers of 1981), PO Box 28231, Providence, RI 02908, or to the Saint Edward Food and Wellness Center, 1001 Branch Avenue, Providence, RI 02904 will be gratefully appreciated.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Slán agus beannacht leat Tom.

Tá Éire ag glaoch ar do spiorad abhaile.

May you sit at the right hand of God. Goodbye and blessings to you Tom.

Ireland is calling your spirit home.