Paul Francis Kelleher

Latham-Paul Francis Kelleher of Kingsway Arms, Schenectady, NY and Leesburg, FL passed away Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 86 after a long illness. Paul was born on June 2, 1926 in Albany, NY to Cornelius Kelleher and Alice Linquist Kelleher. He was also predeceased by his brother Brigadier General Gerald Kelleher and three sisters, Elizabeth Snyder, Virginia Hallock and Jeanne Kelleher. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Mary Therese Gleason Kelleher whom he loved and adored every day of his life “Because.” He was the loving father of Paul J. Kelleher and his wife Lori and Deborah Kelleher Grasso and her husband Larry. Grandpa Kelleher also leaves behind his “Lil darlings,” Jamie (Bruce) Kruppenbacher, Meaghan Kelleher and Kevin Kelleher, Meaghan Kraft and Molly Mulligan and is great Grandpa to Cody Kruppenbacher and Bryson Kelleher. His is also survived by his nephews Harold Snyder, Donald Hallock and Richard Hallock, his nieces Geraldine McMullen, Betsy Clark and his god-son Garry Snyder (deceased). Paul was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy and Utica College, Utica, NY. Dad wore many hats and had many successes in his career life. As a young man he worked for R.T. French Co moving the family away from the Albany area for many years, then be brought us back and owned and operated United Rental, a family owned business in Latham for many years. He retired from the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs as Superintendent of the New Scotland Avenue Armory as the military was always in his blood. He served his Country in the US. Air Corps during WW II and later joined the New York State National Guard from which he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 35 proud years of service. Dad loved aviation and piloted several small planes. He was an avid dancer having belonged to Latham Circle Squares for many years of square dancing, round dancing and later learning how to Country line dance. But there was never any doubt that Mom was always his favorite dance partner. Prior to moving back home, mom and Dad spent the last 26 years living in Leesburg, Florida at Lake Griffin Harbor with friends they always referred to as their second family. His favorite place in the world and the place he felt most peace, however, was his beloved Schroon Lake. He was also an avid fisherman, fishing Schroon Lake since his boyhood, the many lakes of Lake County, Florida and the wildernesses of Canada. Dad’s love for his wife and family, his open and generous heart, fun-loving nature and quest for adventure will be just a few of the many things we will all remember. The family would like to extend thanks to everyone who has reached out to Dad during his illness, friends and family alike, and a special thanks to the caring staff at both Kingsway Manor and Kingsway Arms for all their help and support during Dad’s illness. Funeral services Monday, July 2, 2012 at 9:15 am from McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Latham at 10:00 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Sunday, 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the funeral home. Interment will be later in the week at Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. To leave the family a special message on their guest book, obtain a prayer card or directions, or view other helpful services, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

Tributes

Paul Francis Kelleher

June 2, 1926 - June 28, 2012