Feb 4, 2024

Collier

Thomas O’Brien Kelly, affectionately known as “Kel,” 73, passed into eternal peace in the early hours of Wednesday, January 31, 2024.

Kel was born on February 11, 1950, in Uniontown, the third of six children born to James W. Kelly and Gladys Krichbaum Kelly.

A proud native of Collier, Kel often reminisced about days at the baseball diamond and the lifelong friendships made there. He graduated from Fairchance Georges High School in 1969.

Kel had a distinguished career at U.S. Steel and also served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

An avid outdoorsman, Kel enjoyed hunting, field trials and was passionate about playing and watching sports. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his four beloved grandchildren.

In 2020, Kel and his wife, Brenda, moved to Erie, where he became a member of Grace Church.

Kel was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, James W. Kelly, Jr.

Those left to cherish his loving memory are his wife of 48 years, Brenda Morgan Kelly; his daughters, Cora (Kelly) Layhue and her husband, Josh Layhue and Katie Kelly and her partner, Courtney Male; and his adored grandchildren, Roman, Olivia, Luca, and Emett.

He is also survived by his siblings, Patricia Kolosky, Kathleen Kelly Riedmann, Daniel Kelly and his wife, Marla and Timothy Kelly and his wife, Anne; sister-in-law, Susan Kelly; numerous nieces and nephews; his very special friend and hunting partner, Keith Cooper; and friend and caregiver, Annmarie Stancliff.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of The Residence at Presque Isle Bay and the Lakeland Area Hospice staff for their compassionate care and support during Kel’s final days.

Kel’s memory will forever be preserved in the hearts of his family and friends.

The family will receive friends and family in the DEAN C. WHITMARSH FUNERAL HOME, 134 West Church Street, Fairchance, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, and until 10 a.m., the hour of service, on Monday, February 5, 2024, with Pastor Ken Walls officiating.

Interment will follow in Pleasant View I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Smithfield.