Kelly, Augustine Anthony “Tony”
In his 91st year, passed away peacefully at University Hospital, London on Monday February 15th surrounded by his loving family. Loyal and cherished son of the late Desmond and Ita Kelly. Devoted husband of the late Patricia Louise Housego. Beloved and always supportive father to Maureen (late Gregory) Shoreman, Mary Catherine “Kate” (Paul) Drum, Brian (Fran) Kelly, Trish (Dave) Jackson, and Monica (Jim) Reddon. Extremely proud grandfather “Papa” to Tory (Macky), Collin, Conor, Sinead, Dillon, Alyssa, Kyle, Mitchell, Ciara (Trevor and Theo), Liam, Mary, Annie, Maggie and William. Dear brother to Gerry, Patrick (late Florence), Marise and brother-in-law George (late Beverley) Wright. Lovingly remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends here and in Ireland. Friends and relatives are invited to join the family at the Brock and Visser Funeral Home, 177 Dundas St. W., Thamesford on Friday February 19th from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM (Visitors must R.S.V.P. online at www.brockandvisser.com in advance). A private family service is taking place. Tony’s family hope to host a big community Celebration of Life in the future when we can all be together in person again. If desired, memorial contributions to the Thamesford Lions Club or the Thamesford Trojans would be appreciated and may be arranged through the funeral home.
Tony was born in Ireland, growing up in Dublin and Limerick. He attended the Dublin Institute of Technology and became an electrician. With great ambition, an inherent sense of adventure, and a twinkle in his eye, he immigrated to Canada in 1953 and ultimately settled in London, Ontario. Tony continued his career as an electrician working on many of the largest industrial complexes in the London area. He was an avid rower in both Ireland and Canada becoming a member of the first London crew.
In 1957, Tony married Pat and they built a home in the growing community of Thamesford, Ontario where they raised 5 children and lived for almost 60 years. In 1962, Tony was invited to teach in the new technology department at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute (IDCI). He proceeded to teach electricity, electronics and was a trusted guidance counsellor at both IDCI and College Avenue Secondary School (CASS) for over 30 years.
Throughout his life, service to others and the community he loved has been a passion for Tony, including Thamesford Village Trustee, Chair of the Zorra Township PUC, and the Zorra Township Council. Through these public appointments, he worked tirelessly and collaboratively with vision to help drive necessary progressive advancements. For over 35 years, he was an executive member of the Thamesford Trojans Hockey Club as well as the home game announcer. He also wrote and photographed for multiple local newspapers, and was the Thamesford Calithumpian Parade Marshall for many years. Since 1969 he has served with the Thamesford Lions Club and remained a member for over 50 years. He was recognized as Lion of the Year in 2005-2006 and received the Bruce Murray International Youth Camp Fellowship in 2015. In the same year, he was graced with the Zorra Township Outstanding Public Service Award for his 55 years of committed public service. Tony was instrumental among others in bringing a Catholic Elementary School, the swimming pool, arena and community centre to Thamesford. Recently, Tony was honoured with the news that a new street in Thamesford will be named after him as recognition for his many contributions to the community.
Tony Kelly bestowed a life-time of giving with a multitude of charitable and service acts to his credit. He found the best in every day, and every person, and always had a story to share with anyone he met.