Thomas A. “Tommy” Kelley age 50 of Brockton, retired chief of police for the Boston VA Healthcare System, died Thursday September 23, 2010 at his home surrounded the people he loved, after a courageous battle with cancer. Tom was the loving husband of Diane L. (Clement) Kelley and cherished father of Erin L. Kelley.
Tom was born in Boston and raised in South Boston a son of the late Elizabeth A. (Ring) and James J. Kelley, Jr. and had been a resident of Brockton since 1989. Immediately following his graduation from Boston Latin High School in 1979, Tom joined the US Air Force. Upon his discharge he became a member of the Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center Police Force. He was appointed Chief of the Boston VA Healthcare System in 2008 after being assistant chief for several years.
Tom enjoyed golf, travel and a good cigar. He will be remembered as easy going with a grand sense of humor. Total devotion to his wife and daughter was paramount in his life.
In addition to his wife and daughter Tom is survived by four brothers and sisters Patrick M. Kelley of Easton; James J. Kelley,III of Quincy; Ellen E. McHale of Concord, MA and Christine V. Kelley of Bolton. He also leaves eight nieces and nephews and his wife’s parents Noel and Marjorie Clement of Holbrook.
Funeral Service in the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton Monday at 10 am. Visiting hours Sunday 3-7 pm. Donations in Tom’s name may be made to Old Colony Hospice One Credit Union Way, Randolph, MA 02368 for online directions click here