Kelly, Thomas M.

Thomas M. Kelly, 70, of Cedar Rapids, died Sunday, April 24, 2011, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, with his three loving sisters by his side. Funeral Mass: 11 a.m. Thursday, April 28, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Gerald Condon. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, with a vigil service at 6 p.m. Visitation also one hour before mass Thursday at the church. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his sisters, Patricia Kelly of Cedar Rapids, Geraldine (Ronald) Frerick of Cedar Rapids, and Kathy (Thomas) Van Berkum of Marion; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Tom was born Nov. 12, 1940, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Lawrence and Mary (Carolan) Kelly. He attended school at St. Matthew, Immaculate Conception and graduated as part of the first class from Regis High School in 1959. In high school he began his 42 year career with Nash Finch as a sign painter, retiring in 2000 as head of the department.

He also co-owned T and T Framing with friend Tom Hennessey, creating woodworking and picture framing projects. Tom enjoyed golfing, fishing, NASCAR and following his favorite teams, the Chicago Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and for 10 years participated in the annual SaPaDaPaSo parade with his family and friends.

Tom was diagnosed with polio at age 10, but never let his disease stand in the way of living a full life. With a twinkle in his eye and a warm smile, Tom always greeted you with a “Good mornin'” no matter the time of day. His Irish wit and sense of humor will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Judie Brown.

Memorial may be directed to his family.Kel