Thomas R. Kelly

Boonville- Thomas Robert Kelly, 78, of Aubrey Avenue, husband of Marlene,

passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Wynn Hospital, while surrounded by

the loving care of his wife and family.

Affectionately known as Tom, he was born in Boonville, on July 18, 1945, a son of Wilson John Sr. and Agnes Irene Kraeger Kelly. Tom grew up at the Fish Creek Club, a well-known private fish and game club, located near Constableville and operated for many years by Tom’s parents. He received his education at Constableville Central School, graduating Valedictorian with the Class of 1963. While in high school, Tom was a very accomplished athlete and greatly enjoyed playing football, basketball and baseball. He continued his education at Mohawk Valley Community College, playing on their soccer team and graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Civil Technology. For a short time after college, he was employed as a surveyor in Hartford, Connecticut.

On November 8, 1965, Tom began his service to his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving mostly in California during the Vietnam conflict. On September 1, 1967, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Cpl, E-4 and received the National Defense Service Medal and a Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. He served in the Marine Corps Reserve Unit until honorably discharged on November 7, 1971. After serving his country, Tom entered the New York State Trooper Academy, joining the New York State Police in 1968, serving as a State Trooper in many areas of Troop D, until he retired in 1998.

On April 25, 1970, Tom was united in marriage with the love of his life, Marlene Larabee, at St. Mary’s Church, Constableville. Thereafter, the couple lived in Remsen for a short time before moving to their present home in Boonville.

Tom and Marlene enjoyed attending St. John’s Church in Lyons Falls. He was a member of Boonville Council Knights of Columbus and a longtime member of the Fish Creek Club. In addition to spending time with his wife and family, Tom was an avid hunter and fly fisherman, enjoyed watching sports of all kinds, and always took the scenic route. Tom and Marlene especially enjoyed traveling. Over the years, they traveled to all 50 US states, New Zealand, Australia, England, Ireland, Scotland, and many countries in the Caribbean. Tom and Marlene also enjoyed many winters in Florida with family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Marlene, Tom is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law; Michael (Tammy) of Boonville and Andrew (Katie) of North Easton, MA; grandchildren, Caitlyn Elizabeth, Ian Michael, Ryan Mae, Quinn Thomas and Teresa Marlene; special brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Donna Benedict of Port Leyden and Thomas and Norene Jones of Camden and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Wilson Kelly, Jr. and his wife, Patricia Kelly.

Tom will be fondly remembered as a man who cherished his family and possessed a strong work ethic. He was always the first to offer help to his neighbors and he blessed many with his sharp Irish wit and sense of humor. He had a special, quiet bond with his grandchildren over the years, thoroughly enjoying watching them play, riding four wheelers, sending them handwritten notes in the mail, and lending a listening ear. His memory will be carried on through countless stories, laughter, quiet observation, and moments of kindness.

A graveside service will be held at the convenience of his family at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Boonville, where Military Honors will be conferred by Charles J. Love Post # 406, American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. and Tun Tavern Leatherneck Marine Corps League, all of Boonville. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to Boonville Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 164, Boonville, NY 13309. His arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. Boonville, NY.