Thomas Kelly

Professor Thomas Kelly died on 5 December 2024 at the age of ninety-five in Meridian, Idaho. Dr. Kelly was born in Dunmore, Pennsylvania on 27 August 1929 to Claire and Thomas Kelly, graduated High School from Scranton Technical, and was an enlisted United States Air Force veteran stationed in Germany during the onset of the Cold War. Using the G.I. Bill, Thomas Kelly completed his Bachelor of Science at Penn State University, Master and PhD., at the University of Illinois, and in 1962 he was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship travelling to Athens, Greece for further study. Professor Kelly taught Ancient History at several locations such as the University of Kentucky, Kansas, and Washington. After teaching at the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Canada, Professor Kelly and his family moved to the Twin Cities where Dr. Thomas Kelly was granted tenure at the University of Minnesota. Thomas Kelly married, and divorced twice, is survived by Dr. Vija Kelly and Joan Kelly and children. Thomas Kelly is survived by two sons, Christopher and Julie Kelly, Karl and Robyn Madaras-Kelly, and two granddaughters Dr. Kendra Madaras-Kelly and Sierra Kelly, Mara and Matthew Corey with son Xander. Thomas is also survived by Michael McEachin, brother-in-law John Bashaw and Harriet Walker though proceeded in death by sister June. Dr. Thomas Kelly was laid to rest Veteran’s Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend, in Boise, Idaho, grave marker number 4-LL-1555. No service was held for Thomas Kelly, though a group ceremony for those with no service is planned November 2025, date to be announced.