Thomas Kelly

Thomas Michael Lawrence Kelly, age 83, surrounded by his loving family and friends, went to his heavenly Father on Monday, July 15, 2024 in Southlake, Texas.

His legacy of never-ending kindness, graciousness, care for others, keen wit, and intellectual prowess was rooted in his profound faith for which he continuously expressed his gratitude.

As a lifetime learner, he was passionate in all his endeavors. He was gifted with an uncanny ability to see through to the real self in everyone and always appreciated the uniqueness of each person he met.

His presence as husband, father, father-in-law, godfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, colleague and mentor reflected his inspirational excellence to all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Born in New York City, his educational path lasted there until the Kellys eventually moved to Tenafly, New Jersey. After moving through junior high and graduating from Tenafly High School, he responded to the inner call to enter the seminary to become a Carmelite priest. That educational faith journey also took the Kellys on family trips to visit him in Niagara Falls, Canada, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC and Houston, Texas.

Although ordination was never finalized, his depth of faith in God and others prepared him for a phenomenal career in psychology. After he earned his doctorate from East Texas State, he embraced the eventual position of Chief Psychologist of the drug and alcoholic unit at Terrell State Hospital.

His stellar private practice with his wife, Linda, of 46 years in Grapevine, Texas. The Baylor hospital health system benefited from his expertise as an adjunct psychologist for intake assessments and treatments.

Although he vowed he would never date a former nun, he met Linda Huffhines, in his last class at ETSU (Texas A&M at Commerce.) They dated for 3 years before marrying on July 15th, 1978. They were blessed with two extraordinary daughters, Erin and Kai.

His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile.

As we bid farewell to Tom, let us carry forward the love and laughter he brought into our lives. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will forever echo in our hearts, reminding us to cherish each moment, and hold tight to the bonds of family and special friends.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence J. and Kathleen M. Kelly, infant son, Sean, sisters Carole Palazzolo and Norma Wheelock, great niece, Dominique Franco and brothers-in-law Jim Holacka and Frank Barbosa.

Tom is survived by his wife Linda, daughters Erin Arnold & Kai Kelly, son-in-laws, Stephen Arnold & Doug Depker, six grandchildren: Brayden Arnold, Kambree Arnold, Trinity Arnold, Hudson Arnold, Adalynn Arnold and Sloane Depker, and his sisters Eileen Debo (John) and Patty D'Astoli (Gary-fiancé)

Funeral arrangements through Lucas Funeral Home, 700 Wall St., Grapevine 76051 are as follows:

Visitation: Monday, July 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

Good Shepherd Catholic Community

1000 Tinker Road

Colleyville, Texas 76034

817-421-1387

Funeral: Monday, July 22, 2024, 11:00 a.m.

Good Shepherd Catholic Community

1000 Tinker Road

Colleyville, Texas 76034

817-421-1387

Communal Lunch served after the mass.

Graveside: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

Calvary Hill Cemetery

3235 Lombardy Lane

Dallas, Texas

214-357-5754

The Family is so very appreciative and humbled by your love and support, especially this past year of Tom's health challenges. They thank the Visiting Nurses Association hospice services for their care and comfort for Tom.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Heart Association or to Good Shepherd Catholic Community in Tom's memory.

Long live his memory of positivity, engaging Irish storytelling, infectious laugh and his love for all of