HAS A DEATH OCCURRED? WE ARE AVAILABLE 24/7 CALL: (720) 240-9227
Loading...
P
Peter McEvoy posted a condolence
Monday, July 26, 2021
I am sorry read here of Tom passing .I once had the pleasure of taking him on a tour of a part of South Armagh from where his grandfather's family came where they had to leave in 1920s May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Peter McEvoy Newry Ireland
L
Lisa LeMay lit a candle
Monday, January 11, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle10.png
Hello Laura and Carl-
So sorry to hear about Tom. We have great memories of living across the street from you in Roseville. I especially remember standing in the street talking while the kids were playing. There was always something special about Tom and you all-very caring and compassionate.
Wishing you joy in your memories, peace for the present and future, and God's love to always surround you.
Doug and Lisa LeMay
J
Jane (Dorfman) Marquet posted a condolence
Saturday, October 10, 2020
I met Tom at the School of Irish Studies - always kind, always real, he was a lovely person.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Woodrow Wooj Byun posted a condolence
Friday, October 9, 2020
Tom was a great man! We enjoyed the company of his family while they lived in Minnesota. RIP, Tom! Hope you recover from grief soon, Laura! We all miss you in Minnesota. With Condolences, Wooj and Jennifer
Pádraig Lee posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
I am part of the Lee family from Dundalk in Ireland. We were guests of the wonderful Kelly family in Detroit in 1979 when I first met Tom and his siblings. I was 16 years old. I remember Tom being an excellent soccer player and a proud Irishman even at a young age. Tom stayed with my family in Ireland on a number of occasions and we formed a real transatlantic bond with the US Kellys.
I’m so sad to hear of his passing at such a young age. May he rest in peace.
Patrick Lee, Portsmouth, UK
Mark Welte posted a condolence
Sunday, September 20, 2020
Tommy and I went to college together. Though we were born 5 days apart, I was one year ahead of him, and the two of us were like brothers, along with Andy Black. One enthusiastic college evening--where perhaps there was a beer involved--Tom and I expressed that we would happily "shag a bullet" for the other, if that weird circumstance ever occurred. It goes without saying it didn't, but the sentiment was always there.
After college I spent time with him in Colorado and in Ireland, where we shared experiences that I've recalled many times over the years, and which have always prompted a grin.
Tom had a robust sense of humor, had the biggest and kindest heart, and a face that could only express what he was feeling. I will miss him personally, but I think the world is less colorful, and a shade darker, with his absence. God Bless the Tom Kelly.
E
Edi Efendija posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
I had known Tom for many years, since the time he was working for NDI Serbia, but earlier this year, we worked together for three full days, during our transition in Thailand office. He gave me the warmest welcome a person can have. He met me with many partners, all of whom clearly had a huge respect for him. We spent a lot of time together talking about American politics and many other things. He was a kind, wise but also a straightforward man, who did not hesitate to do what is right. And, he definitely cared about what he did. A very fine man.
Very sad to see you leaving us so early, Tom! May you rest in peace!
T
Tom Murphy posted a condolence
Monday, September 7, 2020
Tommy, as he was known to me, was a rare human. I have known him since we were kids. He was in my wedding 39 years ago.
He was my brother from my other mother (Bridget). His commitment to and passion for democracy is a testament to his love of life and ensuring all got a fair shake to excel.
He left his mark on all he did because his parents instilled that in him. Yes, he was taken from us and his loved ones WAY too soon, but he LIVED his full life everyday.
I have so many memories that could be shared of our times when the Kelly and Murphy boys got together. Most of them can not be shared. However, my last memory was the last time I saw Tom this past February in Denver while I was in town. It had been a few years since or paths crossed. Here we sat at a restaurant with his brother, Michael and neice sharing a meal and chatting away as no time had past between us.
The loyalty that Tom had was tenacious and complete. So blessed to have had the privilege to share in 45 years of his life that God gave to me. His impact to so many others has literally changed history for so many across the world.
RIP "Tommy"
Slainte
C
Catherine Messina Pajic lit a candle
Thursday, September 3, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle3.png
I met Tom when I interviewed around 2006, before we hired him for Serbia. In that first encounter, I could see that he was a kind man, deeply committed, anxious to learn, and quick to laugh. In the years we worked together, that impression always held true. Even in difficult times, he stayed upbeat and motivated. He made me laugh and kept me reminded of why we do the work we do. He never failed to open his heart and his mind, which is why we stayed friends long after we were colleagues. I was lucky to know him. My deepest condolences to Laura, Carl, and all those who loved him and will miss him as I do.
A
Aleksandra lit a candle
Thursday, September 3, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle10.png
B
Barbara posted a condolence
Thursday, September 3, 2020
From the first time we met, I was impressed by Tom's professionalism, expertise, and kindness. Tom's dedication to democracy was evident in the seriousness with which he took his work and in his passion for civic engagement. Rest in Peace, Tom.
K
Kunakorn Kasempakdee posted a condolence
Thursday, September 3, 2020
I, Kunakorn Kasempakdee, am an NDI project assistant in Thailand. I used to be Tom's staff. Tom is a very good and friendly country director.
May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
R.I.P Tom
N
Niamh O'Connor lit a candle
Thursday, September 3, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle3.png
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. What a complete shock to learn of Tom's early passing. I had the privilege and pleasure to work alongside Tom when we were both Country Directors in the Balkans for NDI. When Tom, Laura and Carl arrived in Belgrade they immediately set out to discover all they could about the region and all of us that worked there. Tom regaled me with stories about his time in Dublin and his many Irish friends. I enjoyed many interesting political discussions not only about Balkan or US politics but also Irish politics. When our UK colleague would try and goad me about the Irish sporting prowesses particularly against the UK Tom always stood with me defending our great little nation. When Tom landed in Belgrade he made many friends and worked tirelessly to ensure that the programme was delivered with enthusiasm by his staff. We spent many evenings on the phone discussing what work our programme in Bosnia & Herzegovina was doing and how our Bosnian staff were delivering. He tried to include the staff from both of our offices in as many programmes as possible, ensuring that as us internationals left the region that our staff would have the capabilities and enthusiasm to continue on the work without us.
Laura and Carl please accept my deepest condolences, but take some heart in the fact that Tom left an indelible mark on so many lives throughout the world.
D
Des Dinan posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Tom’s obituary mentions that, as an undergraduate, “he studied abroad at the School of Irish Studies in Dublin, Ireland” That’s where I met him. I was a young instructor there, only a few years older than Tom. The School of Irish Studies was a wonderful place. The Dean, Sean White, knew everyone who was anyone in Ireland. The Chieftains would drop by for a session. Seamus Heaney taught a poetry class. Tom was fortunate to have been there in its heyday. And I was especially fortunate to have been there when Tom was around. What a character! So bright, energetic, funny, charming. But also deeply interested in history and politics. We spent many an evening (sometimes a full day) discussing the idiosyncrasies of Irish history and the vagaries of Irish politics, in Dublin pubs. Tom and I became firm friends. I moved to the U.S., and saw Tom often. More recently, I had the great pleasure of visiting Tom and Laura in Belgrade, where Tom invited me to talk to academic audiences about Serbia’s prospects of joining the European Union (not great). Tom would often stay with us in Northern Virginia, during visits to Washington. It’s hard to believe that Tom is no longer with us; that he departed so early and so quickly. Who will ever forget Tom? The smile; the laugh; the wit; the intellect; the passion; the devotion. And who can ever fathom the loss for Laura and Carl, for whom our hearts break. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
Des Dinan, Falls Church, VA
C
Ciera Romero lit a candle
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/candle_tealightsteps.png
H
Heidi lit a candle
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/candle_bluesquares.png
Tom exuded kindness every interaction I had with him they were not a ton but he was one of those people who made you feel heard. You knew he was genuinely interested in what was going on in your life. And if you were lucky to interact interact with Tom when Laura was by his side it was just an added bonus! Saying a prayer for you and your family during this time. Love, Heidi Humphrey.
K
The family of Thomas Kevin Kelly uploaded a photo
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
/tribute-images/682702/Ultra/Thomas-Kelly.jpg
Please wait