Obituaries
Thomas Richard Kealey, 70
March 11, 2021
Thomas Richard Kealey, 70, of Lancaster, passed away on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Beloved husband of Elizabeth (Pignataro) Kealey, Tom was born on March 2, 1951 in Philadelphia. He was the son of Thomas R. Sr. and Josephine (McCollough) Kealey. Tom attended Father Judge High School and Penn State University, and in his high school years developed his lifelong love of rowing. He continued to support rowing on the Schuylkill by revitalizing the unused Crescent Boat Club firmly establishing it as one of the most important outlets for rowing in Philadelphia.
In his professional career, Tom was the President of Lancaster-based, Brown Transmission & Bearing Company, Inc. He was a pioneer in the power distribution industry. Tom played a pivotal role in creating the Independent Distributors Cooperative (IDC-USA), a national organization that unified hundreds of independent distributors. It was always important to Tom to support local small businesses.
Tom was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Faith and family always came first in his life.
In addition to his love of rowing, Tom was an avid golfer and member of Lancaster Country Club. He found great pleasure in the many friendships made there and he always met everyone with a smile and a joke. Tom collected World War II memorabilia and travelled to several historical sites including Normandy and Belgium. Tom was a competitive runner and ran in, and finished, three New York Marathons. After the last one he made his wife, Beth, promise never to let him do that again. Tom’s hobbies also included researching his family’s ancestry, dating back to the 1700’s in Ireland.
Surviving in addition to his wife Beth, is his son, Michael B. Kealey and Michael’s fiancé, Nicole Mumma, both of Lancaster; two sisters Carol Husted-Sarian of Lancaster, Linda McCloud of Lancaster; two brothers Joseph Kealey of Denver, PA and Richard Kealey of Berwick, PA; and a loving family circle of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church located at 601 E. Delp Rd. Lancaster, PA 17601 at 11:30 AM with The Rev. Daniel Powell as Celebrant. The family will receive friends at a Viewing on Thursday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory located at 414 E. King St. Lancaster, PA 17602 and again at St. John Neumann on Friday, March 19th from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. A private burial will take place on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed from St. John Neumann Catholic Church website and also will be linked to this page.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to FRIENDS OF FATHER JUDGE with the memo note, “In the Memory of Thomas Kealey”, and mailed to 3301 Dolly Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136. Additionally, contributions to CRESCENT BOAT CLUB, with the same memo note, and mailed to 5 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
March 23, 2021
Dear Beth and Michael and all the family, Tom was a dear friend. Our hearts and condolences go out to you all. Tom’s sincerity and wit and love of family will always be remembered. God bless his soul. Judy and Paul
March 23, 2021
To the Tom Kealey familes and friends I offer my sincere condolences for your loss. All too soon. May he rest in peace in the arms of Our Lord. Tom Donch Tristate Bearing & Supply Co. New Jersey
March 22, 2021
My condolences to Kealey family. Thankful to have done business with Tom and his attitude to life and radiant smiles was something I will always remember him by. Liz, you are in my thoughts. Take care!
Ian Chea
March 19, 2021
My deepest condolences to the entire Kealey family for your loss. I am thankful to have worked for Tom, and benefited from his teaching stories, motivation, and generosity. His balance of competition and humor was refreshing in the work environment. God bless you all. Craig Lawrence
March 18, 2021
Tom was so much to so many of us and a true inspiration. He was a leader and a mentor, he was a driving force behind both the IDC and Brown Transmission and to me a very dear friend. I will truley miss him and our time we shared. Deepest sympathies to Beth and Michael, and The Brown Bearing family that were a part of Tom as well.
James McLain
March 18, 2021
My deepest sympathy and prayers, for Tom and the family. One of the greatest Guys I’ve met, always a smile and a kind word…..
John Ator
March 18, 2021
Prayers and Love sent to Tom’s family…..
Linda Allison
March 17, 2021
Tom was such a unique individual. Always wanting to help others to see the best in every situation, whether in business or in life, Tom was a mentor along the way to so many people, thankfully, including myself.
I’ll always remember that wry smile and sly sense of humor too. Thank you Tom for being you!
God Bless and Keep both you & your family,
Mike Miller / The Timken Company
March 17, 2021
My deepest sympathies to the Kealy family in the loss of my cousin Tom. I have such fond memories when we were kids and visited each other’s homes. Tom was younger than my brothers and I but he was always so much fun especially with his brothers and sisters. When my mom would tell us that we’re going to see the Kealy’s and the Flum’s, We would always get excited. The only regret is that as we got older we lost touch with our good cousins. It is now the great memories that we must keep in our hearts.
Paul DiFilippo
March 16, 2021
Tom was an inspiration to many of us in theIDC. He will be missed and remembered as a genuinely great guy!
Steve Felts
March 16, 2021
I am deeply saddened to hear about Tom. Remember him most when we where kids, visiting each others homes with our families. He was such a nice boy, and man. So sorry that we didn’t keep in touch as we aged. Last time I spoke with him was at the Kealey family reunion. Please accept my most hearfelt condolences. I hope you all find you find peace in his memory.
Michael DiFilippo
March 16, 2021
The IDC-USA could not have functioned without him. It was Tom who inspired me to join the IDC. He was a hard worker & a real fun guy !! Fond memories of him.
Denny Gruver Bearings & Drived Unlimited
March 16, 2021
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memories become treasures. May your memories comfort you and bring you a sense of peace. May you feel the blessing of knowing your loved one, Tom is in a better place, at peace in the presence of the Lord. Thinking of you Beth and Michael and all of Tom’s loved ones with our deepest sympathy 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Barbara & Marion Sebastian
March 16, 2021
I was deeply saddened to read of Tom’s passing. I worked at Brown Transmission many years ago and I have the best memories of my time there and especially Tom. I remember fondly our Monday evening golf outings at Four Seasons with everyone. I always enjoyed this. My condolences to all the Kealey family during this time. I send prayers for peace and comfort.
Karen Shreiner
March 15, 2021
I was stunned and saddened to hear of Tom’s sudden passing. I got to know Tom while working the club opening shifts at the front desk at Universal Athletic Club. His always friendly, easy smile would greet you and he would always have a joke or story to share when leaving after his 5 am workout. He would be in the parking lot parked under the light reading the morning paper in his truck when I would arrive at 4:30 am to do the club opening duties. He did that every day so their dog would not wake his wife that early. He was such a kind and caring man. Tom will be missed by so many. I know I will miss his kindness, that smile, his jokes and quick wit. Deepest sympathies to Beth and Michael.
Kelly Kline
March 15, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. He was a legend to all of the members of the IDC-USA, the co-op he helped found. He was the first president and an inspiration for all of us. He could be counted on for his sage wisdom when faced with business issues and quick of wit when all we needed was a laugh. A true gentleman and a good frioend to all. he will be greartly missed.
Pete Kalgreen, Fellow IDC Member
March 15, 2021
So sorry to hear this traject news. Tom was an awesome person, father, husband, and community leader. He will be missed by all.
Keith Carnahan
March 15, 2021
We are so sad to hear about this! All of us at the LONGENECKERS BARBERSHOP had the pleasure to cut Tom’s hair. Him and his jokes will be sadly missed!! Prayers for all of his family.
Paige Longenecker
March 15, 2021
Tom was a true gentleman; a great friend, a role-mode, a mentor. I’m so sorry to hear about his passing and my heart goes out to his family. He played a greater role in shaping my career than he may have realized. No doubt, he is in an amazing place now, but he will be sorely missed.
Paul Clark – Cathey Company, Lansing MI
March 15, 2021
Dear Beth and Michael, There really are no words to adequately express our condolences on Tom’s passing. He was such a lovely, kind and funny man. We will miss our dinners together sharing humorous stories and talking history. He touched so many people and improved lives. He will be deeply missed. Please know that you have a community ready to support you. Love to you and your family, Linda and Bob Miller
March 15, 2021
Tom was one of the first members of the IDC that i visited with at my first meeting and made feel part of the group. We went to the Indy. Speed-way on one of our meetings. He was helpful to all .
He was a true friend to all.
Ronnie Blaine Jensen
March 14, 2021
Dear Beth Michael and family
Al and I were tremendously shocked and saddened when we read of Toms death in the paper today! This has been a very hard year and is only punctuated by great loss. He was one of the good ones-as Al always said when doing business with Tom! Beth, please know how much we are praying for you and Michael and sending love and hugs to you! He has left a wonderful legacy in his family and community! With deepest sympathy, Al and Carol and the Reichler family
March 14, 2021
My heart is shattered upon hearing the news of Tom’s death. We just spoke two weeks ago and were working on his desire to have more mobility and ease in golfing and life. I am at such a loss of words to adequately reflect how sad I am that this source of light, joy and kindness has left us. Listening to Tom share about his days rowing, childhood spent in Philadelphia, teaching me about history and his adventure to Normandy with his friend and of course how much he loved the sport of Golf and how much he loved his son Michael and wife Beth. My life is so much richer having had the opportunity to work with Tom at Unversal Athletic Club. His jokes and smile made many days that were exhausting & challenging a bit easier. The world was such a better place because of Tom. He sowed so many seeds of kindness, generosity and love while he was here I am sure that the greeting in heaven he received by our Lord and Savior Jesus was powerful to say the least. Prayers for Beth, Michael and the entire family. I can’t fathom the pain you are feeling and can only hope that the joy Tom spread to so many with his amazing smile will return to you with an abundance of peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Stacy Brown
March 14, 2021
Beth, there just aren’t any approprate words, no sentiment to express the depth of my feelings for you and your family. I pray that the strength of friends, family and your faith bring you some measure of comfort, and in time, your sweet memories will bring smiles. With greatest condolences, Wendy
March 14, 2021
I am saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. He was a good friend and business associate. I will miss him deeply. My prayers go out to Beth, his brother Joe, and the entire family. I will be making contibutions to both of Tom’s beloved causes as requested.
douglas m giffen
March 13, 2021
My deepest sympathies to the family. I will always have wonderful memories of the Kealey brothers from Brown Transmission. God bless you. My prayers are with you.
March 13, 2021
TK,
It was a honor to know you for all these years, from me being your roomate in Lancaster to watching all your success, enjoyed the ride.
RIP
Joe & Kathy Pascarello
March 13, 2021
My Uncle Tom was always smiling and was truly a great guy. I have many happy memories of Tom and he will be missed by all that knew him.
Jackie, Todd and Emily Juergens
March 13, 2021
Sorry for the loss Tom was a friend alway with a smile Prayers for the family and friends 🙏
John Patrick Campbell
March 13, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss and send my love and hugs to the family. I wish you peace and comfort as you grieve. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. As you go through this difficult time, remember that you are all so loved. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Darlene M Baum
March 13, 2021
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Norma and Cam Ferdinand
- Visitation
- Thursday, March 18, 2021
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 414 East King Street
- Lancaster, PA 17602
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Visitation
- Friday, March 19, 2021
- 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- St. John Neumman Catholic Church
- 601 E. Delp Road
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, March 19, 2021
- 11:30 AM
- St. John Neumann Catholic Church
- 601 E. Delp Road
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions >
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