Thomas A. Kelleher

JEFFERSON – Thomas A. Kelleher, 85, beloved brother, uncle, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by members of his family on Friday, December 27, at UMass Memorial Medical Center, following a brief illness.

Born and raised in Worcester, Tom was the oldest son of the late William D. and Margaret (Callahan) Kelleher. He graduated from North High School and the former Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, WV, Class of 1963, where he earned his BA in Sociology.

Tom proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve.

In addition to his military service, Tom worked for the family businesses, American Supply Company and later, Kelleher & Sadowsky Associates, where he built a very successful real estate career until his retirement from active brokerage in 2022.

Tom was a dedicated member of the Worcester community and belonged to the 100 Club of Massachusetts, Worcester Club, Worcester Advertising Club, and Rutland Sportsman’s Club. He also served as Incorporator at Bay State Savings Bank.

A devout Catholic, Tom was a lector at St. Mary’s Church for many years. He most recently attended St. Columba Parish in Paxton.

As the oldest of eight siblings, Tom was a guiding presence to his family – always ready to lend wisdom, support, brotherly advice, or his red pickup truck. His love and dedication to his family were hallmarks of his long life. When not driving one of his many cars, he could be spotted riding his Harley on picturesque New England roads.

Tom was well-loved by his three brothers, William D. Kelleher Jr. (Maureen) of Worcester; James C. Kelleher (Ann) of Holden; and John P. Kelleher (Jane) of Worcester; and four sisters, Ellen Kelleher Peterson (deceased); Ann K. Monahan of Nashua, NH; Elizabeth K. McCarthy of Chestnut Hill, MA; and Polly K. Sturm (John) of Chevy Chase, MD. In addition to his parents and sister Ellen, Tom was predeceased by brothers-in-law James P. Monahan and Charles H. McCarthy, Jr. His large extended family includes 16 nieces and nephews and an abundance of cousins.

Tom will also be remembered by many longtime friends, including Karin Williams and husband Michael, and daughter Karli Griffin, whom he considered family.

Friends are invited to gather with Tom’s family from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 3, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street in Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 4, at St. Columba Church, 18 Richards Avenue in Paxton.

Burial will take place on a later date at St. John’s Cemetery in Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the 100 Club of Massachusetts (100clubmass.org) or a charity of choice.

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