Thomas J. Kilkenny

Thomas was born December 4, 1924 in Queens, N.Y., to Alicia Connelly and Patrick John Kilkenny. He passed away as he lived, bravely and with dignity, surrounded by his family, at his residence of 34 years in Venice, Fl. on January 30, 2012. He was 87. Tommy is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 63 years, Marie; his six daughters, and sons-in-law, Rory Parnell (Jerry), Becky Grant, Alicia Ahern (Danny), Tammy Soldan (Bill), Shawn Brewster (Dave), and Tracy Draughon (Scott); 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Francis Kilkenny. He was predeceased by two sisters, and three brothers. A decorated WWII Army Veteran, Tommy fought in the Battle of The Bulge and was awarded the Bronze Star and The Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He had the privilege of participating in the Honor Flight and will be buried with military honors at the National Veteran’s Cemetery in Sarasota. He continued as a protector his entire life, serving as a Firefighter with NYFD in NY City. He retired to Venice where he was an avid golfer, achieving five holes-in-one over his lifetime. Tommy spent 34 years volunteering in Venice as President of The Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick, Project Children, VP of the Venice Opera Guild, and Board member of the Cardinal Mooney School Board. He was a member and Usher of The Epiphany and a founding member and Usher for 25 years at Our Lady Of Lourdes. Tommy had a unique affinity for creating, working with his hands, woodworking, building and gardening. This special talent contributed to the success of numerous charitable fundraisers throughout his lifetime. A special thanks to Drs. Heather McCullough, Noel Maun and William Woolverton and to Tidewell Hospice.