Dr. Thomas E. Kelly

Dr. Thomas E. Kelly, 62, of Steubenville, Ohio, was called home to Our Lord on June 14, 2023, after a long battle with illness. Thomas was born on August 1, 1960, in Steubenville, Ohio, the son of the late Professor Edward J. and Mary C. Kelly and is also preceded in death by his sisters, Mary C. Young and Dr. Eileen Kelly.

He is survived by his wife Sandra Campbell Kelly and two daughters Maria and Theresa, as well as 11 nieces and nephews.

Dr. Kelly was a 1978 graduate of Catholic Central High School and a 1983 graduate of The University of Steubenville where he majored in accounting and economics. He later earned his master’s degree in business administration and went on to receive his Ph.D. in instructional management and leadership from Robert Morris University. Thomas was a faculty member in the Department of Accounting, Business Administration, and Economics at Franciscan University of Steubenville for over 23 years, seven of which he served as the Chair of the Department. Prior to that, he served on the faculties of Bethany College and West Liberty University. He had also previously worked as an assistant controller at K&R Mining, Incorporated and as an accounting supervisor at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation. During his years at Franciscan University, he passionately dedicated himself to serving the University, and as the business department chair, he was instrumental in enhancing the department’s professional and Christian mission. Thomas led the establishment of the Franciscan University chapter of the Christian Students in Free Enterprise, an organization for business students dedicated to bringing the Christian mission into the marketplace. In 2017, he created the Business Advisory Board, and later, its alumni network. He worked closely with business professionals in the community to organize Project Bootstraps, an event dedicated to connecting students with local entrepreneurs and business leaders, and he guided the department to receiving its inaugural accreditation from the IACBE. Dr. Kelly was well loved by the students and faculty of Franciscan University. He was known for his ability to create relationships, make others laugh, and act as a witness to his faith.

Thomas was a member of Saint Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Steubenville, wherein he served as a lector and a member of the parish council. He also was a member in the All Saints School Board. Thomas was a lifelong fan of the Beatles and many peers considered him to be a Beatleologist.

Visitation will be held Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel, 4435 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville. A funeral liturgy with Mass will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that contributions be made to Steubenville Catholic Central High School, 320 West View, Steubenville, OH 43952.