Thomas Frederick Kelleway

Thomas Frederick Kelleway died on November 23,2020 in Santa Barbara,CA at the age of 75. Tom was born on December 30, 1944 much to Augusta and Fred Kelleway’s delight. Growing up in Walnut Creek CA, Tom loved following his father around in the family’s hardware store and making all sorts of experiments in their backyard. He earned degrees in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. He spent his entire professional career as a defense engineer for Raytheon which took him to locations around the globe. He returned to the US in the mid 80’s to Santa Barbara,CA,

Tom married his childhood friend Jan in 1993. Their history began when they were toddlers and while their families remained connected, their love story began a bit later in life. Tom’s early love for sailing grew from cruising into racing and he competed, with partner Richard Miller, locally as well as Newport Beach, CA, Hilton Head, SC and Annapolis, MD. Tom’s curiosity and pursuit of adventure continued as they ventured to far off places and sailed chartered boats with friends throughout the five oceans. He and Jan enjoyed sailing to Catalina yearly and weekend trips to the Channel Islands with Santa Barbara Yacht Club. Tom enjoyed golfing with Jan and his Thursday Golfing buddies. One thing they could count on is he would hit the golf ball where no one else had before. To this day, his friends say “there is a place or two on the course that is Tom’s spot”.

Tom shared his zeal for learning and his generosity to provide education for many. Through Raytheon, Tom volunteered at Dos Pueblos High School Engineering Academy which became 1717 D’Penguineers Robotics. As a proud grandfather, he volunteered as a teacher’s assistant at Washington Elementary School.

He is remembered for his kind, gentle, and giving soul. He always had a way of making us laugh. Anytime we would ask his opinion about something we knew he would research with resolute persistence. He could opine about any feature of his recently purchased appliance, after extensive research. He had a way of clarifying daunting life decisions with his simplistic approach. We will miss his voice of reason.

Tom is survived by his wife Jan, sister Carolyn (Rich) Hiland, Nieces, Lisa Bazan, Julie (Jeff) Rattaro of Walnut Creek and Nephew Matt (Deb) Hiland of San Diego. Step-daughter Kris(Paul) LeMert, Grandchildren, Andrew Jones, Ian Jones, Marshall LeMert and Meredith LeMert.

Until we can celebrate Tom’s memory, hoist a drink and plan your next adventure. If you would like to make a donation in Tom’s honor, please consider the Santa Barbara Youth Sailing Foundation 130 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, 93109.