Joseph D. “Joe” Kelleher, SR – 88 – formerly of 15 Florence St., Hornell, died Wednesday afternoon (September 12, 2018) at Hornell Gardens where he had resided for the past 3 years.
A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born June 21, 1930 and was the son of Daniel & Helen (McGinnis) Kelleher.
Joe attended Hornell High School where he participated in basketball and other sports. He was employed as a brakeman for the former Erie Railroad and Erie Lackawanna Railroad for over 30 years, retiring in 1983.
He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a devout communicant of St. Ann’s Church. He was also a longtime member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus.
Joe was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting careers — rarely missing a game. He was also a “Die Hard” Notre Dame Fighting Irish Fan who enjoyed many trips to South Bend, IN to attend Notre Dame games with his family.
As a devoted husband and a loving father, grandfather & great-grandfather, Joe thoroughly loved and appreciated time spent with his family. Not only will he be sadly missed by his family, but will also be missed by his many friends throughout the Hornell community.
Joe was married on August 8, 1948 to the former Doris King who died April 30, 2007. He was preceded in death by his 5 siblings, Robert Kelleher, Mary Smith, John Kelleher, Cecilia McPherson and William Kelleher.
Surviving are 3 sons, Joseph (Linda) Kelleher, JR of Hornell, Thomas (Rebecca) Kelleher of Castile, NY and Timothy (Denise) Kelleher of Lewisburg, PA; 2 daughters, Kathleen Welch of Caledonia, NY and Rosann (William) Whiteman of Largo, FL; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.
The family of Joseph D. Kelleher will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Joe’s family request that memorial contributions in his name be made to St. Ann’s Academy, PO Box 446, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
The family of Joseph D. Kelleher would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the staff at Hornell Gardens for the wonderful care that he received over the past three years.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle Joe. Every thought of him comes with a smile and wonderful memories. His quick wit belied a thoughtful, caring man devoted to his wife and family. He was so proud of all of you. I am sure you realize how blessed you were to have had him as your father and grandfather. (My goodness great grandfather makes me feel so old!) Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
So sorry for your loss, Tom & Becky and family. Greg and Brenda Hefner
I am deeply sorry for your loss. As the days pass, may your tears of sorrow turn to smiles of joy as you reflect on the fond memories of Joseph. May God’s promise of a resurrection at John 5:28, 29 be a source of comfort to your family.
My sincere sympathy to the Kelleher family.