Thomas J. Kelley

Thomas J. Kelley of South Yarmouth and formerly of Worcester, died Sunday, March 26, 2023 at his home. Tom’s seventy-three years were marked by profound love of family, friends, and faith. A devoted husband and father he spent fifty-three years of marriage to his lifelong love, Maureen, who he met in sixth grade at Blessed Sacrament School. Together they lovingly raised three children in the Grafton Hill neighborhood of Worcester before retiring to his beloved home and sanctuary of Cape Cod. His most cherished role was that of “Pop” to his six grandchildren and great grandson.

Tom was born April 22, 1949, in Worcester, son of the late Jane (McGrail) and Thomas Kelley. He grew up in a large Irish catholic family in Tatnuck Square and attended Blessed Sacrament School. He graduated from St. Johns High School Class of 1967 where he was a three-sport athlete who excelled in baseball, basketball and was captain of the football team. Tom earned his bachelor’s degree in Education from Bridgewater State University where he continued to play football. He married his childhood sweetheart, Maureen McAuliffe in 1969.

Tom began his career as a teacher and coach at Venerini Elementary School where he was able to share his lifelong love of sports with students and had a natural instinct to guide and motivate them. He continued his love of the game by being an assistant football coach at Worcester State. He left his teaching position and began an over thirty-year career at Teradyne as a global installation project manager.

He was an avid golfer and gardener. Tom had lifelong friendships from his Alice Golf League where they enjoyed many weekend trips and four ball tournaments at Holden Hills and Wachusett Country Club. Tom had a green thumb. His yard at his Cape home was the envy of every neighbor with his meticulous care and breathtaking flowers. 

His faith was a constant throughout his life which was instilled in him from his parents, Gramma Kelley, and his beloved Aunt Mary. Tom adored his children and grandchildren and supported them in everything they did. He would drive hours to games to support every single one of them. Family was everything to him.

In addition to his wife Maureen, he leaves his three children, Shawn Kelley and his wife Kim of Atkinson NH, Lisa Durand and her husband Rich of Auburn, Kristine Vincequere and her husband Jeff of Shrewsbury; his grandchildren Amanda Varrichone and her husband Mike, Ava, Donovan, Abby, Liam and Drew; his great grandson Brody Thomas; his siblings AnnMarie Kelley, Michael and his wife Patricia, Jay and his wife Paula, Jane and her husband Joeseph Daigneault, Timothy and his wife Wendy, Peter Deary and Colleen Norton. He also leaves behind many adoring nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends will honor Tom’s life by gathering for calling hours on Friday, March 31st from 4 to 7 pm at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street, Worcester. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 1st at 9 am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant Street, Worcester. Burial will follow at St Johns Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in his name may be made to St John’s Food for the Poor Program, 44 Temple St, Worcester, Ma 01604.