Robert F. Kelleher

WORCESTER - Robert F. Kelleher, 89, passed away on March 6 while receiving hospice care at the Notre Dame Health Care facility in Worcester. The son of F. Patrick and Gertrude Kelleher, Bob was born on January 5, 1928. Bob attended Worcester public schools where he was an excellent student and a gifted athlete, in both baseball and football. As a pitcher for Classical High School, he once threw a no-hitter. After high school, Bob attended Holy Cross College where he played on the 1946 Orange Bowl team. Bob’s college studies were interrupted by a two-year stint in the US Navy. Upon discharge, Bob completed his college studies at Syracuse. In 1948, Bob married the love of his life, Dorothy French. They were married for 52 years, until her passing in 2000. Bob and Dot raised six children while Bob pursued his career, beginning in sales at Bay State Abrasives in Westboro. While still living in Worcester, Bob, Dot, and their family survived the 1954 tornado, only suffering minor injuries though their home was destroyed. The family moved as they followed Bob’s career from sales to management in Detroit, Michigan and then in Castro Valley and Irvine, California. After surviving colon cancer, and with the family grown, Bob, along with Dot, returned to the Worcester area in 1980, residing in Paxton. Bob taught business and finance for many years, first at Fitchburg State and then at Anna Maria College before his retirement. Bob had many interests and talents. He was a gifted pianist, who earned extra money to support his young family by playing in clubs in the San Francisco area. Throughout his life, Bob entertained family and friends with his beloved jazz and with his “sing-alongs” to pop standards. Bob loved the movies and spent many afternoons and evenings in the last years of his love enjoying “flicks” with his special companion, Anne Richard. Bob was also a man of letters, a reader and a writer on a variety subjects, including business, religion, and the meaning of life. He was the author of two books, and he kept journals with records of his observations and thoughts all through his life. A deeply spiritual person, Bob meditated daily throughout much of his adult life. Bob also had a life-long relationship in lay activities at the Trappist Monastery in Spencer. Most recently, he was a member of the Lay Cistercian Contemplative Community at the Monastery. He was also a communicant at the Immaculate Conception Church in Worcester. Bob was a serious person who thought and felt deeply about philosophy and life issues. But he also had a sparkling sense of humor and a capacity for silliness that leavened his serious side. Bob leaves his six children: Robin Stamm of Epsom, N.H, Gail Burke of Tuscon, AZ, Dr. Robert Kelleher of Fair Oaks, CA, Lisa Farnham of Brookfield, MA, Sean Kelleher of San Lorenzo, CA and Dr. Brian Kelleher of Palmer, AK. He leaves many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves his two brothers, Dr. Paul Kelleher of East Orleans, MA and Richard Kelleher of Marstons Mills, MA; as well as many cousins. A funeral Mass in celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, March 18 at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove Street, Worcester. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.