Obituary for Michael Thomas Kelly Michael Thomas Kelly, 72, Austin, Texas, passed away, Tuesday, May 1, after a brief illness. Mike, who was widely recognized as an astute political strategist by public officials and policy leaders nationwide, was most proud of his beloved family: wife Teresa Pitts Kelly; daughter Mary Katherine Kelly and fiancé Patrick Ching, and grandson, Fitzpatrick Michael Kelly. Mike connected people and opportunities in both the business and political world. He used a strong intellect and a polite and articulate demeanor to help friends, businesses and political clients succeed. His network of friends from all walks of life and both sides of the aisle extended throughout Texas, Oklahoma and Ohio and frequently Washington, D.C. Before starting his own consulting business, he served as Deputy Campaign Director for Ohio U.S. Senator John Glenn’s first campaign; helped elect the late Oklahoma Congressman Mike Synar; friend and advisor to former Oklahoma Governor David Walters; chief of staff to former Texas State Senator Hugh Palmer (D-Ft Worth), and State Legislative Director for the City of Houston. He was known for his kindness and non-judgmental philosophy. While he had a strong Democratic Party affiliation, he watched and studied conservative media outlets because he didn’t want to hear what he already believed but rather wanted to listen to the other side in hopes of bridging understanding. He was the ‘go to institutional memory’ for many, a resource for journalists and historians, and a mentor to candidates from both the Democrat and Republican parties. Mike grew up in Houston where he attended River Oaks High School. He met his bride of 44 years in 1968 while they were students at the University of Oklahoma. He was born May 4, 1945, and was raised by his mother, Mary Louise Kelly, and his grandmother, Thelma McGehee, both of whom preceded Mike in death. Survivors include brothers-in-laws/sisters-in-laws: Dr. Richard & Janet Pitts, Sapulpa, OK; Steve & Janet Girard, Ardmore, OK, and Paul & Sabrina Pitts, also of Ardmore. Nieces & Nephews include Adam & Maggie Pitts, Mindy Pitts, Sarah Corbell, Johnathan & Mariana Pitts, Jason Girard, and Nicholas & Jamie Girard. Great nieces and nephews include Alexia & Zane Girard and Dax Cooper. Mike loved his friends but he cherished his family more than anything. He was proud of his wife for many reasons but was especially supportive and helpful as she founded the Girls Empowerment Network. In lieu of flowers, the family has an established a memorial in Mike’s name at the Girls Empowerment Network, P.O. Box 3122, Austin, TX 78764 or www.girlsempowermentnetwork.org. Private family services will be held this week; a memorial celebrating Mike’s life will be held later this spring. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Michael Thomas Kelly please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Michael Thomas Kelly May 4 1945 May 1 2018. Harrell Funeral Homes
Death notice for the town of: Austin, state: Texas