Dermod Kelleher



Dermod Kelleher passed away Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021. He was born October 4, 1938, of first generation Irish American parents, Antoinette Ensign Kelleher and Thomas Kelleher, in Wethersfield, CT where he attended school. He was the first in his family to attend the University of Notre Dame, followed by his two younger brothers. He graduated from the NROTC program in 1960 and entered United States Navy to fulfill his obligation to serve in the armed forces.

He met his wife, Diana Norris, in 1963, while serving aboard the USS Montrail in Norfolk, VA. They married, moved to New Mexico and had three sons. Dermod worked for the Airforce Weapons Lab in Albuquerque until his retirement. He and Diana were tournament bridge players and life masters. He followed Notre Dame football fanatically until he died.

He is survived by his wife, Diana; sons, Blair Kelleher and wife Faith of Cary, NC; Kieran Kelleher and wife Elizabeth, of Albuquerque; 2 grandsons, Dorsey,16 and Logan, 14 of Cary, NC; two granddaughters, Molly, 10, of Cary, NC; and Keely Kelleher of Pueblo West, CO, his brothers, Neil Kelleher and wife Mary Jo, of Chicago, IL; Mark Kelleher and his wife Mary Ann of Pittsboro, NC; and Jane Kelleher of Seal Beach, CA and many nieces and nephews. His son, Brann Kelleher, preceded him in death in 2018.

A Rosary will be recited at 9am followed by memorial Mass at 10 am, Friday, April 9th, 2021 at San Ysidro Catholic Church in Corrales, NM. Burial will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a time to be determined. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Riverside Funeral Home where more details of his life can be found.