Holden – For 86 years Thomas Walter Kelly III, of Holden, ME, made our world a better place. He was devoted to his wife, love for his friends and family, patriotism to his country and dedication to his community. On October 23, 2023, he passed on to make heaven his new home. Thomas was born in Brewer, ME, on August 9, 1937, the son of Thomas W. Kelly Jr. and Anne M. (Elias) Kelly.
Tom graduated from Brewer High School in 1955, where he excelled in football and captained the “Witches” baseball team for 3 years. In 2015 he was inducted into the Brewer High School Athletic Hall of Fame for outstanding achievements in baseball and football. He then graduated from M.C.I. in Pittsfield in 1956 and Maine Maritime Academy in Castine in 1959, receiving his Bachelor of Marine Sciences Degree, U.S. Coast Guard License and his Commission in the U.S. Navy.
Following graduation from M.M.A., Tom entered the Navy and began his 30 year active-duty Naval career, where he commanded several ships and shore commands. During his Naval career, Tom was awarded several decorations, including the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars with Combat Valor, two Meritorious Service Awards and several unit and merit citations, including his service in Vietnam. Before retiring as a naval captain, Tom also obtained his master’s degree in international relations and public affairs from Golden Gate University.
Following his distinguished Naval career, in 1990 Tom established Kelstar International Company, an international trading company specializing in European business. He eventually relocated to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he set up a multi-million dollar juice company and established close friendships for life. His international business affiliations led to Tom’s being registered in the prestigious “Heritage Who’s Who Among Executives and Professionals.”
Upon returning back to the U.S., he bought his home on Third Pond in Blue Hill, ME, where he subsequently met the love of his life, Laurie (Nichols), formerly of Bangor, ME, in 1997. While residing in Blue Hill, Tom was an active member of the Blue Hill American Legion Post #85, the Franklin Vet’s Club, the Navy League of Penobscot County, the Military Officers Association and the VFW. He served on the Blue Hill Planning Board, and volunteered to help educate students about the military through his experiences at the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor, in their Ambassadors of Patriotism Program, and became a member of the Maine Troop Greeters. In 2007 Tom enthusiastically organized the first Fourth of July celebration in Blue Hill, which not only provided spectacular fireworks on Blue Hill Bay, but various entertainment, food and other events for children and their families. He also organized a “Flag of Honor” program in 2006 in Blue Hill, in which individuals purchased 120 American flags to be flown annually throughout the village. In 2007 the names in honor of those individual flags were inscribed on a monument dedicated at the American Legion building on Flag Day. Tom’s patriotism will be a legend throughout the area as evidenced by his strong sense of duty. So strong in fact, that at age 67, he volunteered to support the American troops during the Iraq War by leaving his home and working and living in Baghdad for 8 months providing technical and organizational support to U.S. Forces. His achievements were recognized in Don Colson’s book, “Quiet Courage” published in 2007 and numerous newspapers. Tom also was a member of the Brewer Kiwanis Club and past post commander and active member of the Brewer American Legion Post 98.
After spending the winters enjoying the sun and warm weather on St. George Island in Florida, Tom and Laurie made the decision to move permanently south. In 2008 they found their ideal home in Punta Gorda, FL, where they were warmly welcomed by their new neighborhood and formed strong friendships immediately. In 2009 they purchased a home on Davis Pond in Holden, ME, where they were able to live and enjoy the beauty in their beloved home state of Maine. Tom and Laurie sold their Florida home in 2013 and returned permanently back to Maine. Tom especially loved fishing in Maine, football and baseball games, collecting antiques, participating in local politics, was an avid Red Sox fan and loved cars. Tom was a loyal and generous friend to many people, and could always be counted upon to lend a hand and provide sound guidance to our youth. He adored his wife and supported and assisted his family in their life’s endeavors.
Tom leaves many cherished memories to his wife, Laurie of Holden, and is survived by his son, Gregory M. Kelly of Cocoa Beach, FL; granddaughter, Renee Kelly, of Titusville, FL; stepdaughter, Michelle Lawrence of Ft. Myers, FL, and her fiancé, Ken Garcia; sisters-in-law, Gayle Nichols of Old Orchard Beach and Mary Nichols of Bradley; very special friend, Michelle Hogan of Bangor; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Noreen Kelly-Perkes; his youngest son, Thomas W. Kelly IV; and his brother-in-law, Jeffrey Nichols.