John J. “Jack” Kelleher
Billerica Irish American Club Former President
BILLERICA: John J. “Jack” Kelleher, age 88, a resident of Billerica for 56 years, passed away at his home in the care of his family on Sunday, April 10, 2022.
He was the beloved husband of Barbara A. (Jamieson) Kelleher, who passed away on April 27, 2014.
Born on August 2, 1933, he was the son of the late James Kelleher and the late Mary (Matthews) (Kelleher) Howe.
Jack was raised in Galway, Ireland and Somerville, MA. He attended both Galway and Somerville schools and graduated from Somerville High School and attended Holy Cross College prior to being drafted into the US Army where he served during the Korean War with 1812th, Company M, 4th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal for his active-duty service.
Jack was employed as an Industrial engineer and Executive Director by Allied Chemical Company and Henkel Corporation until his retirement. He was noted for his innovative “out of the box thinking” and received many accolades and awards both nationally and internationally focusing on employee safety and process improvement. He used scientific inquiry to set a higher bar and was invited to Germany to teach his techniques and assist in implementation.
He was an active member and former president of the Billerica Irish American Club and passionate of his Irish heritage. He was an early member of the Kevin Barry Piping Band, accomplished Irish singer and performed at numerous venues and events He never forgot his Irish roots, taking every opportunity to head back to see his family in Galway and Kinsale. The Cotter, Cronin and Kelleher clan were his heart and soul.
Family was always his first priority. Raising six children with the love of his life Barbara was his greatest legacy.
From trips to Disney, multiple cruises, lake house visits and of course back home to Ireland with his children and grandchildren, he enjoyed every second! He looked forward to every Friday night at Bickford’s with Mossie for singing and dancing with his dear friends.
Jack is the father of, Catherine M. Fiore and her husband Peter, of Westfield, Mary Samost and her husband Randall, of North Reading, John J. Kelleher and his wife Ann Marie, of Billerica, Kevin B. Kelleher and his wife Mary, of Tewksbury, Patricia A. Donovan and her late husband Mark, of Tewksbury, and Brian M. Kelleher, of Billerica. Grandfather of Michelle Miele, Robert Miele, Liz Fiore, Betsy Dyke, Aubrey Samost Williams, Christopher Williams, Shawn Donovan, Tyler Samost, Miranda Kelleher Gates, David Gates, Kevin Kelleher, John Kelleher, Alina Rosmarinofski, Matthew Donovan, Jared Samost, Ryan Kelleher, Joseph Kelleher and Domenic Rosmarinofski. Great grandfather of Bobby Miele, Brannon Miele, Paige Miele, Lila Miele, Travis Fiore, Lachlan Fiore, McKenzie Gates, David Gates, Jr., Adeline Gates and Abby Williams. Brother of Maureen Di Russo, of Watertown, Joan Spartichino, of Somerville, and the late Emmett and William Howe. He leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Calling hours are Tuesday, April 12, from 4-8 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury. His funeral procession will begin on Wednesday, April 13, at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main Street, Route 38, Tewksbury. Interment at Fox Hill Cemetery, Billerica. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute at www.dana-farber.org