WEST BROOKFIELD – Thomas D. “Tom” Kelleher, 68, died Tuesday, May 26 as a result of a collision between his motorcycle and a car.
He leaves a brother, Brian E. Kelleher and his wife Carol of Stuart, FL and Granby, CT; a nephew, Kevin Kelleher and his wife Samantha of Somersworth, NH; a niece, Katie Kelleher of Granby, CT; two grandnephews, Luke and Cillian Kelleher; his girlfriend of 20 years, Connie Vanco-Galli of Dudley; his “son”, Michael P. Galli and his wife Andrea of Webster; he was “Grampa Tom” to the greatest joys of his life, Charlotte Wasgatt and Jackson Edward Thomas Galli; and his close friend, Charles “Chuck” Werchadlo of Vienna,VA.
He was born on January 14, 1958 in Norwalk, CT a son of Thomas W. and Louise R. (Doerner) Kelleher. He was a 1976 graduate of Norwalk High School and earned his baccalaureate from Western Connecticut State College in 1980. He went on to earn a Masters of Arts Degree in History (Modern European) from the University of Connecticut in 1983 and later studied at Quinsigamond Community College to become a Registered Nurse.
Tom began working at Old Sturbridge Village in 1984. He was a frontline interpreter and oversaw the water-powered mills and the trade shops and held countless other responsibilities that he took on to further the Museum’s mission. He eventually became the Historian and Curator of Mechanical Arts (“guy stuff” as he called it). His articles were featured regularly in OSV’s Visitor Magazine, Early American Life, and numerous other publications. Tom was also one of the Museum’s most gifted performers who engaged visitors effortlessly as an minister, a phrenologist, an itinerant dentist, a storyteller, and an orator. He was truly a master of historical interpretation and inspired a love of history in all who met him. For years he brought the Declaration of Independence to life during his readings on the 4th of July. He was instrumental in the planning and construction of the Small House, Cabinetmaking Shop, and Allen Piggery and had a knack for keeping three cantankerous water powered mills running. He did all of these things while being a mentor to many and always putting the Museum first. His infectious laugh will echo throughout the Village for years to come.
He was an active member of the Association of Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM) and the Early American Industries Association (EAIA), the Dublin Seminars in Deerfield, and the American Antiquarian Society.
Tom was first and foremost a man of deep and abiding faith in God. He was a daily communicant of Saint Anne-Saint Patrick Parish in Fiskdale where he was an active member and served as a lector.
His funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 2, with a Mass at 11:00 AM in the Saint Joachim Chapel at Saint Anne’s Shrine, 16 Church Street, Fiskdale (please meet at church). Burial will follow in Saint Anne’s Cemetery, Sturbridge. Visitation will take place on Monday, June 1, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the Center Meetinghouse at Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Road, Sturbridge. Tom was deeply concerned with people being able to feed their family, as such it is requested that flowers be omitted and that donations in Tom’s memory may be made to either Saint Anne-Saint Patrick Church or to the Saint Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, both 16 Church Street, Fiskdale, MA 01518. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.