Obituary of Kelly Foster Tomas

Kelly Foster Tomas, 73, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Aviate at Piscataway.

Born in Cagayan, Philippines, most of his younger years were spent in the Philippines. He attended the Maritime Academy in the Philippines, where he attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Studies. With that, he began his career on the water. Over the years, he sailed on ships for various companies, and had his own company, recruiting people to work in the industry. In the Philippines, he helped many people begin their own careers on ships, often training groups at a time before seeing them begin work, then starting again. His family would often refer to their home as a revolving door of those Kelly helped.

Before coming to the United States in 1987, Kelly was the Port Captain for the Norwegian Caribbean Line in the Philippines. Upon arriving in the US, Kelly and his family resided in Brooklyn, NY, before settling in Piscataway, where they have lived since 2004. Again, working for various companies, Kelly’s last position was on the University of Columbia’s deep sea scanning research vessel, before retiring in 2017.

Outside of work, Kelly liked to stay busy around the house. Whether it was keeping up on lawn work, his vegetable garden, or carpentry, there was always something to do, and he found joy in making sure it was done right. Although it was part of work, Kelly also enjoyed being out on the water fishing. He was also an active parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Piscataway.

Predeceased by his son, Michel Tomas, and four siblings, Kelly is survived by his wife of 42 years, Maria Georgia Jully Tomas, and son, Mark Tomas and his wife Jamie. He will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Max Jasper Ramos Tomas and Hannah Bustamante Tomas; and brothers, Henry Tomas and Warren Tomas, as well a host of extended relatives and friends worldwide.

A visitation will be held at the Piscataway Funeral Home, 18 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 2 PM to 8 PM.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 501 New Market Road, Piscataway, NJ, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home prior to mass, beginning at 9:30 AM.

Following mass, cremation services will be held privately, and Kelly’s remains will be brought home, to the Philippines.