Thomas A. Kelty 1938-2021

Tom was born March 26, 1938, in Youngstown, the son of the late John and Virginia Knupp Kelty.

A 1956 graduate of East High School, Tom continued his education and attended Youngstown State University.

He served in the Army and was honorably discharged with the rank of private in 1960. A proud veteran, Tom was a member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1292, where he served as a past post commander and also served as a past state commander for two terms.

Tom started his career as a meat cutter, working for several grocery stores in the Youngstown area. He later became a police officer for the Youngstown Police Department for six years, before becoming a truck driver for more than 30 years. He worked for several trucking companies, retiring from Roadway in Buffalo, N.Y. in 2000. Tom was a member of Teamsters Local 377.

A man of faith, Tom was a member of St. Angela Merici Parish in Youngstown. He also served on the state of Ohio Board of Education for six years.

As one of the founders and coaches for Poland Little Buckeyes Football, Tom loved his five years spent coaching and mentoring. In his free time, Tom loved playing golf with his buddies, especially enjoying the camaraderie amongst them. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, Tom’s laughter and humor will be missed by all that knew him.

Tom will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 48 years, the former Shirley L. Gee, whom he married April 10, 1972; his five sons, John J. (Stacy) Kelty of Youngstown, Timothy S. (Diane) Kelty of Canfield, Steven (Vivienne) Kurdziel of Struthers, Michael T. (Cheryl) Kelty of Cranberry Township, Pa. and Patrick A. (Erin) Kelty of Mount Gilead, who will always cherish the memories they have of their father. Tom also leaves 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren to cherish his memory and carry on his sense of humor, personality and traditions; and his sister-in-law, Shirley A. Kelty of Poland.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by brothers, John and George Kelty.

Family and friends will be received Thursday, March 4, 2021, from 5 to 7 p.m., and Friday from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home in Struthers. A prayer service will be held Friday, March 5, 2021, at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Angela Merici Parish, 397 S. Jackson St. in Youngstown, with the Rev. Kevin Peters officiating.

Due to COVID-19, the 6-foot rule will be honored, and we ask that all guests, whose health allows, wear a mask. For the safety of everyone, we politely ask that visitors do not linger at the funeral home after seeing Tom’s family.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and online condolences with the family.

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