Hometown Hero Honored At Golf Outing

“You haven’t experienced life until you become part of something bigger then yourself."

The words were spoken by Riverhead's Thomas Kelly, who was one of seven members of Engine 219, Ladder 105 who died tragically after the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

He was 38 years old.

Kelly had roots deeply entrenched in the Reeves Park community in Riverhead, where he spent summers with his family on the beach.

Now, plans to honor a local hero are underway: The 10th Annual Thomas Kelly Memorial Golf Outing is scheduled for July 19 at the Cherry Creek Golf Links on Reeves Avenue in Riverhead. 

"This day is a great tribute to an altruistic firefighter who gave his life for others on September 11th," Bob Kelly, Tom's brother, in a donation letter announcing the event. "This great sacrifice was not out of character to anyone who knew Tommy."

Kelly, his brother said, devoted his life to giving back, whether volunteering at the Long Island Aquarium or raising thousands of dollars as he biked across America for AIDS awareness.

"It is because of Tom’s love for giving that we celebrate his giving nature by sponsoring this golf outing each year," Kelly wrote.

Proceeds of the event will benefit marine research and rescue on Long Island through the Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center -- as well as the 9/11 memorial park project underway on the corner of Sound Avenue and Thomas Kelly Memorial Drive, or Park Avenue.

The Kelly family is seeking donations of any kind for the event, ranging from gifts for the raffle to sponsorship of a hole, or just by putting together a foursome and enjoying "some friendship and sunshine."

For more information and to register, contact Bob Kelly, (646) 879-5948.