Tommy Rowles (AKA Uncle Harry)

Tommy Rowles (AKA Uncle Harry) came to America 3 month after the Kellys settled in the Bronx and was living in a Rooming house on 86^th street. He called the Kellys, who had moved to Valentine Avenue and Granny said he should come and live with them. Tommy did, and stayed for a long while- at least 2 years, according to Brendan.

When he lived in the Bronx he and Brendan and their lads hung out at Good Time Charley's, Dirty Nellie's on Kingsbridge Road and the Beehive around Kingsbridge Road near the VA and Jewish Home.

The living arrangement came to an abrupt end after the “Noxzema incident”. 

Noxzema came in a heavy blue glass jar, and was kept in the medicine cabinet. The heavy jar was knocked into the cabinet by parties unknown (Martin Kivlehan was Brendan’s guess) and it knocked a small chunk out of the porcelain bowl.

The responsible individual picked up the knocked out piece, smeared it with Noxzema and fit it back in place. Escape was made by the culprit unnoticed.

Pop Kelly used the toilet, and when he flushed, the piece gave way and the dirty water flooded the bathroom.

Nobody fessed up, and poor Tommy was blamed and he was moved out shortly after. It is my understanding that on moving out, Granny gave him back half the rent he had been paying over the time living with them- she did that for all those who lived there. To give them a start.

My first memories of Tommy have Liz in them, too- and the lovely apartment they had near the reservoir. I remember how they came every Labor Day to hang out with us at 251. How Dad called him Harry, or Harold, so often that the name turned up on a bowling trophy or two. How well he danced- God the man could dance. And he was so, so kind.

I remember we needed him to leave the room- I have no idea what for- so Ellen said she was going to breast feed… he fled, so embarrassed. And not once, but twice, he got caught in a Dee work lie.

Who can forget him calling Nuala asking how Brendan was (after Dee told her boss Dad was near death from a heart attack) and mom responding. “He is the same ^&*%#$ he ever was.”

I will always miss Uncle Harry- even though he was not my uncle and his name wasn’t Harry. Rest in Peace, sweet man.