1951 - 2025
Born in Cambridge, the son of the late Daniel J. Kelleher and the late Helen C. (Hanson) Kelleher, William spent his childhood in Watertown and graduated from Watertown High School. He later built a life marked by service, hard work, and a love of learning.
William proudly served his country during the Viet Nam War having served in the US Air Force from 1969 to 1973, attaining the rank of SGT. His military service was a point of pride throughout his life.
Professionally, William worked in retail and customer service for many years. He began his career as a merchandise manager… for the Zayre Corporation in Cambridge MA, later working at South Boston Tire in South Boston. In more recent years, he had been employed at the Star Market grocery Store in Belmont MA.
For about 15 years, William lived in Ireland with his late wife Mary, an experience that remained close to his heart. He eventually returned to Massachusetts, settling in Whitinsville.
William enjoyed life’s quieter pleasures. William loved to play “Bridge” and also play chess. He was an avid reader and also loved to take walks. These interests reflected his thoughtful and reflective nature.
He is survived by his 4 children: Susan Buckley and her husband Douglas Buckley of Milford MA, Barbara Kelleher of Milford MA, Marc Kelleher and his partner Scott Hallman of Portsmouth RI and Dianna Lyness and her husband Jeff Lyness Sr. of Northbridge MA. He also leaves behind his 11 grandchildren and his 5 great grandchildren, each of whom brought him great joy.
William is further survived by his siblings: Carol Baxter and her domestic partner Sue Ellis of Toronto Canada, Mary Ingham of Danvers MA, Daniel Kelleher of Belmont MA, Dorothy Kelleher and her spouse Ken Radway of Toronto Canada, Linda Cummings and her husband Richard Cummings of Bristol NH and Rita Kerr and her husband Daniel Webster of Haverhill MA, along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by the late Hellen Kelleher and the late Thomas Kelleher.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Committal Services, with Military Honors, on THURSDAY (December 18th) at 1:30PM at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue in Bourne MA.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday evening (December 17th) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA.
