1943 – 2014

DIXFIELD — Thomas L. Kelly Sr., of 8 Meadow Brook Terrace in Dixfield, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, May 5, with his loving wife, Elizabeth, by his side, after fighting a long and courageous battle with COPD.

He was born in Rumford on July 25, 1943, a son of Elaine (Whynaught) Kelly and William A. Kelly. He graduated from Stephens High School in the Class of 1961. Some of his most memorable years were summers spent with his grandparents at North Pond, which he held close to his heart.

He attended Farmington State Teachers College and was a member of the Kappa Delta Phi fraternity. In his younger years, he enjoyed the game of basketball, as he played for Big Bill’s Bombers. Tom coached basketball at the Greater Rumford Community Center, was a past president of both the Webb River Valley Sportsman’s Club and the Dirigo Athletic Booster Club and was a member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials.

He was employed for 30 years at Oxford Paper Co./Boise Cascade in the research and technical departments. Tom worked in property management in both Colorado and Florida. He later worked for several years alongside his sons at Showroom Shine and retired from SAD 21 in 2008, as a bus driver/custodian.

Tom had numerous passions, which included attending his children’s sporting events, riding motorcycles, riding bikes, jogging, racquetball, attending races at Oxford Plains Speedway and his many trips to both Foxwoods and Hollywood Casino. His ultimate passion was spending as much time as possible with family and friends on Prince Edward Island.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Elizabeth; his son, Thomas L. Kelly Jr. and fiancée, Lisa Audet, of Dixfield; his daughter, Jennifer Murray and husband, David, of Casco; his son, Jeffrey L. Kelly, of Dixfield; granddaughter, Makala, of Lewiston; stepson, Aaron Bickford, of Waterboro; stepgrandchildren, Ashley and John; loving sister, Andrea Anastasio and husband, James, of Gardiner; loving brother, Timothy W. Kelly and wife, Martha, of Dixfeld; and brother-in-law, Wendall Palmer and wife, Ellen, of Dixfield.

Special thanks to Dr. Sinclair and Dr. Callender; the hospice caregivers, Kimberly and Bonnie; and friends, Judy Horne and Julie Thibodeau, for their wonderful support and kindness.