Cornelius Kelleher

Cornelius "Neil" Kelleher 84, passed away in Sonoma on November 15, 2010 from melanoma. He spent the last month of his life at his daughter and son-in-law's home, where his family gathered to fill his final weeks with love and support. A native San Franciscan and first generation American, he was born February 16, 1926, the son of the late Jeremiah and Julia Kelleher, who were both born in Ireland. He lived his entire life in San Francisco's Noe Valley neighborhood, and was a proud graduate and loyal alumnus of St. Ignatius, Class of 1944. Neil was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the 6th division, 20th infantry in World War II. He was involved in intensive combat in the South Pacific, as a tech sergeant and platoon leader in the Philippine Islands. When the war ended he continued his military duty in Seoul, where he participated in liberating Korea from the Japanese. He was a lithographic pressman for Security Litho, Diamond International, Pacific Shipper and Williams Litho. He retired as the longtime elected president of the Graphic Arts International Union, Local 583. He was also an international councilor for the Graphic Arts, representing fourteen western states at the union's headquarters in Washington, D.C. As past president and secretary/treasurer of the San Francisco Fryers Club, he greatly enjoyed leading the group of close friends for the last twenty-five years. He was also a member of the Godfathers Club of St. Vincent's School for Boys, the Divots Golf Club, the San Mateo Fryers Club and the United Irish Cultural Center. Neil and Rita enjoyed many travels throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. His favorite place was Yosemite National Park, where he camped with his family as a boy and later took his own family on vacations. He worked at Camp Curry when he was in high school, and returned to Yosemite many times throughout his life. He was a dedicated gardener who spent countless hours growing beautiful flowers in his sunny backyard. He loved to golf, and played once a week up until very recently. He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and the San Francisco 49ers. It was a great gift during his last few weeks that he was able to watch the San Francisco Giants win the World Series, surrounded by his family. Neil is survived by his loving wife Rita, with whom he shared a wonderful life for fifty-six years. His daughter Carole Kelleher and her husband Jim Schratz. His son Dan Kelleher and his wife Monique, and his cherished grandchildren, Jeremiah and Madison Kelleher. He is also survived by his nephew John Burke and his wife Mirna, and his great nephews Jason, Joe and John Albert Burke. His sister and best friend, Marie Burke, predeceased him. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Nov 20 at 3 p.m. in the Orradre Chapel at St. Ignatius College Prep, 2001 37th Avenue, San Francisco. A reception will follow at the United Irish Cultural Center, 2700 45th Ave, San Francisco. Donations in Neil's memory may be made to the St. Ignatius Class of 1944 Scholarship Fund or Hospice by the Bay, 190 West Napa St, Sonoma, CA 95476.