William Leo Kiely III

William Leo Kiely III, 75, of Palos Verdes Estates, California died peacefully at his home on January 6, 2023. He was born in Marblehead, Massachusetts on January 16, 1947.

He met Susan Burkhardt in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where they were married on May 16, 1970. Together they shared their deep faith in Jesus Christ and were blessed with two children, four grandchildren and a lifelong, loving marriage.

Leo graduated from Harvard College with a B.A. in Economics in 1969 and the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania with an M.B.A. in 1970.

Leo's remarkable business career started at Procter and Gamble. He worked at Wilson Sporting Goods, Ventura Coastal Corp, and at Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo. In 1993 he became President of the Coors Brewing Company. He led the acquisition of Carling in the UK in 2001 and the merger of Molson (Canada) and Coors in 2005. He also led the merger of the second-and third-largest beer companies in the U.S., forming MillerCoors in 2008 and was CEO until 2011. Leo served on several corporate and philanthropic boards including the Altria Group Inc., and the Denver Center of Performing Arts.

In retirement Leo and Susan enjoyed time with their children's families in Denver, Colorado and Hermosa Beach, California and eventually settled in Palos Verdes. Leo adored his wife Susan, an ordained minister, and eagerly supported her many charitable activities including a foundation centered on women's empowerment. He partnered with both of his children in many ventures including numerous film projects via Windowseat Pictures with his son Bill. He sailed the BVI's and the Pacific Coast with family and friends, rode a Harley with his buddies in the Colorado Rockies, and shared his passion for sports and music with many, including Whitney and his cherished grandchildren, Leo V, Tegan, Margot, and Marshall.

The family is grateful for all prayers and sympathy as they celebrate Leo, a man who lived life to the fullest. His powerful intellect, great heart and uplifting spirit will live on in the memory of his loved ones, his faithful friends, and all those who were fortunate to know him.

William Leo Kiely III is survived by Susan Burkhardt Kiely, his loving wife of 52 years; children: William Leo Kiely IV and wife Gail Chalmers Kiely; Whitney Kiely Moehle and husband Doug Moehle; grandchildren: William Leo Kiely V, Tegan Kiely, Margot Moehle, and Marshall Moehle; brothers: Graves M. Kiely, Frank N. Kiely, and sister: Katherine E. Kiely. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph H. Kiely, Sr., and parents William Leo Kiely II and Judith Graves Kiely.

Family and friends will be invited to gather in Denver, CO and Marblehead, Massachusetts at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family would so appreciate your consideration in donating to the Kiely Moehle Family Foundation Fund: https://denverfoundation.org/fund/kiely-moehle-family-foundation-fund/