Obituary of William Lawrence Kelleher

William Lawrence (Bill) Kelleher was a 72 year resident of Katonah and passed away surrounded by family at Northern Westchester Hospital after a brief illness on Monday, January 15.

He was born on October 27, 1936 to Peter and Kathleen Cox Kelleher of Hartsdale and moved to Katonah in 1951. He attended Archbishop Stepinac and Katonah High Schools where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He served in the United States Army until 1959 and then went to Western Connecticut State University where he ultimately earned his Bachelor’s and Masters degrees and began his career in teaching.  Bill was admired in the Yorktown Central School District for his wonderful way with children where he worked for over 30 years as an Elementary and Middle School Science Teacher and Varsity Golf Coach.

Known as a gentleman and loving father and grandfather, he was active in his Katonah Community. He was a member of the Katonah Fire Department for over 60 years and a communicant at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Bedford. He was a member of the Mens’ Ministry, Parish Council and leader of the church partnership with the Community Center of Northern Westchester. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Katonah. He was an avid golfer and supporter at every soccer field, pool and baseball diamond in the area with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by sisters Kathleen Kelleher of Southbury, CT and Mary Ann (William) Riley of North Salem, NY and his 3 children: Erin (Eamonn) Kelleher O’Donnell of Katonah, Laurie (Ryan) Kelleher Archer of Bedford Hills and William Kelleher Junior of Katonah and nephews Peter and James Riley. He is also gravely missed by his grandchildren Michael, Katherine, Kevin and Joseph O’Donnell and Julieanne Archer. He was predeceased by his wife Elaine Leahy Kelleher, daughter Shannon Kelleher, brother Jeremiah Kelleher and niece Eileen Riley Zawada.

His family will receive friends at Clark Associates Funeral Home, 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah on Friday, January 19, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 20 at 11:00am at St. Patricks RC Church, 7 Pound Ridge Rd, Bedford, NY

The burial will follow at St Francis Cemetery, Mt. Kisco, NY.

In lieu of flowers Memorial Donations may be made to:

Community Center of Northern Westchester

84 Bedford Rd, Katonah, NY 10536

Or Katonah Fire Department

65 Bedford Road

Katonah, NY 10536