Dr. Thomas Lawrence Kelly
May 14, 1938 - November 14, 2025
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Obituary for Dr. Thomas Lawrence Kelly
Dr. Thomas Lawrence Kelly of Scottsdale, AZ, and Edwards, CO, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025 in Boulder, CO, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 87 years old.
Born on May 14, 1938 in Boston, MA, to Thomas and Flora Kelly, Thomas (affectionately known as Tom or “TK”) was a beloved father, husband, brother, uncle and friend. He was known for his quick wit, his Irish humor, and the unforgettable stories that came from a lifetime of adventure. His Catholic faith brought him deep comfort, especially in his final days.
Tom graduated from BC High, Boston College (1960), and Tufts University School of Medicine (1964). He served proudly as a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon in Thule, Greenland, before returning home, marrying our mother, Marijean, and raising four daughters. He built a successful ophthalmology practice in New Hampshire, where he cared for patients until retirement.
New Hampshire and Colorado were two of his greatest loves. He met his wife, Sandra, in Vail and they spent 31 years together filled with travel, good friends, and countless family gatherings building lasting memories. He especially cherished their quiet evenings on the patio. Tom was drawn to the mountains and was an avid skier and made sure his daughters were on the slopes almost as soon as they could stand. Summers were spent hiking mountain trails and sailing the coast of Maine—a tradition that grew out of our childhood days on Cape Cod, where we swam in the surf and posed in the dunes while Dad documented everything with his camera.
Alaska held a special magic for him. He returned again and again to photograph its sweeping landscapes, fly fish its rivers, and wander peacefully in his beloved RV. Those trips were some of the happiest moments of his life.
He was a fiercely loyal Boston College hockey and football fan and we are certain he’s already cheering for a few extra wins from above. But it was Ireland that held the deepest place in his heart. A proud dual citizen, he visited often—exploring his family roots, playing golf, enjoying hearty Irish breakfasts, and reveling in the ‘craic’ of the local pubs. Irish music filled his home and remained the soundtrack of his life.
Tom had a rare gift for connecting with people. His friendships ran deep, and he made everyone feel like an old friend within minutes. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Kelly; his brother, David (Susan) Kelly; his sister Karen (Richard) Sullivan; his four daughters Karen (Paul) Batcheller, Aileen (Matt) McConnell, Caitlin Kelly (Chris Meazell), Meghan (Jon) Munzel and their mother, Marijean Kelly; his eight grandchildren Camryn, Brayden, Jack, Katherine, Landon, Scarlett, Delilah and Eloise.
Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents Thomas and Delia Kelly; his parents Thomas and Flora Kelly; his brother Robert Kelly; and his aunt, Sister Anna Mary Kelly CSJ.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Visitation Parish, Saint Elizabeth Church, 350 Reedsdale Road, Milton, Saturday December 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Family and friends invited. Inurnment at Milton Cemetery.
A future celebration of life will be planned for summer 2026 in Edwards, CO. Details will be shared at a later date.
Services
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 AM
Interment
11:00 AM
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Condolences
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December 11, 2025
Thanks to you and Sandra for providing us some great times not only in Colorado but Scottsdale.Your insight into so many topics was most enjoyable. Your Irish jokes and humor will be missed. Whenever we hear of BC that's Boston College not before Christ we will think of you, Bob and Teryl Limbocker
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December 10, 2025
Tom will be missed by me and his friends from many walks of life. His laugh was very contagious and joyful. Sincerely, Doug Crichfield Denver & Vail
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December 06, 2025
I worked with Dr. Kelly from 1990 till he retired from Nashua Eye Associates. He would come in to visit us in the Billing Department once a year. His last visit was 3 years ago and he said it would be his last trip to Nashua. I also grew up in Dorchester where he had relatives from my surrounding neighborhood. Rest in peace Dr. Kelly you will be missed. Diane Hanson
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December 05, 2025
Many condolences to Marijean and his four daughters. The memories on Thoreau Dr will always be some of my favorite. To my dear friend Caitlin, much love & many hugs to you - Life brings many challenges and victories. The memories of us from "back in the day" will always be cherished. Additionally, your dad took care of my parents at Nashua Eye. Dr. Kelly will always be remembered by them as a warm and kind man. Not many look forward to a doctor's appointment but they certainly did with him! Much love to you, your sisters and your mom. You're all like family to me. Sincerely, Stacy (Smith) Burek
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December 04, 2025
I practiced with Tom in Nashua for many years. He was my ophthalmologist. I loved his personality and admired his skill. He was a real gentleman and an excellent surgeon. I will remember him with great admiration, respect, and affection.
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December 03, 2025
We used to ski race at Vail he would always win even at 15 years my elder. He was the last of the old gang Oscar , Jack and Donald. Certainly will be missed.
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December 03, 2025
Tom started practicing in Nashua, NH about three months before I did in 1974. It was a natural that we began to work with each other in surgery and taking call. After five years, we formed Nashua Eye Associates and moved into the 5 Coliseum office Memorial Day weekend 1979. I take pride in "forcing" Tom to quit smoking as it was one of the conditions to becoming partners in the new office. I caught him a couple times, but he eventually acquiesced. Some years later another partner and I bought out a fourth partner. Unfortunately, Tom got bad legal advice on the financial aspects of the transaction and the ensuing court battle put a strain on our relationship. As time passed our communication resumed and I particularly enjoyed seeing the photos he would send of the HUGE salmon he caught on a trip to Alaska. Tom, you had a long and fruitful career helping people with their ocular problems. You will be remembered by many. Charles (Chuck) E. Wingate, Jr., MD PS Sorry to not be able to attend your wake, but I have a prior all day commitment.
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December 03, 2025
Tom-you will be missed-Dan & Susan -Vail
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