Michael P. Kelleher

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Michael "Mike" Patrick Kelleher on December 2, 2024. Mike was born in Ballymakeera, County Cork, Ireland on April 16, 1939. He was the beloved son of the late Daniel and Julia (O'Leary) Kelleher. He was the fourth of nine children, raised on the family farm.
Mike lived a life defined by hard work, dedication, faith and love for his family. He completed his education at vocational school followed by an apprenticeship in the automotive industry. He immigrated to San Francisco in 1961. He worked days while attending trade school at night, specializing in the rebuilding of automatic transmissions.
In 1965, Mike relocated to New York where he met the love of his life Eileen (McGuirk) at a dance in the Bronx. They were married at Our Lady of Mercy Church on August 22, 1970.
Mike owned and operated Century Transmissions, a successful transmission business in the Bronx. Mike was a gifted transmission specialist and enjoyed 32 years in the business. He was also the General Contractor for the construction of the family homes in Mahopac and Holmes, NY.
After retiring, Mike and Eileen became snowbirds, spending the winter months in Naples, Florida. Mike was an avid golfer and played in men's league tournaments at Vails Grove in Brewster, NY and Vanderbilt Country Club in Naples, FL. He made three memorable hole-in-ones and enjoyed the banter and friendships formed while golfing.
Mike is survived by his devoted wife Eileen of 54 years and his beloved children Siobhan (Jonathan Wachs), Michael (Melissa) and Diarmuid (Nina). He will be greatly missed by his six cherished grandchildren, Samantha, Shane, Marissa (Wachs), Tyler (Wachs), Collins and Declan.
Mike is also survived by his siblings, Joan, Finbar and Sheila and his many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends in Ireland. He is predeceased by his siblings Denis, Joseph, Sean, Sister Enda (Mary) and Christopher.
Mike is also survived by his wife Eileen's siblings: Rose Mannion, Mary Casey, Bernadette Brosnahan, Henry, Patrick, Anne Quinn and Theresa McKiernan. He is predeceased by his brothers-in-law John Mannion, John McGuirk, Michael Brosnahan and Martin Casey. Mike felt truly blessed to be part of the McGuirk extended family, cherishing many family celebrations with nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families and friends.
Mike and Eileen established loving homes in Carmel, Mahopac and Holmes, New York before downsizing in Newtown, CT.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday December 6, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cargain Funeral Homes, 10 Fowler Avenue, Carmel, NY.
A Mass of Christian Burial to honor and celebrate Mike's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Our Lady of the Lake/Mt. Carmel Church, 1 Noonan Drive, Carmel, NY.
Following the Mass, Mike will be escorted to his final resting place in Raymond Hill Cemetery, 156 Route 52, Carmel, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Michael to If you prefer to donate by mail, please send to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Cargain Funeral Homes, Inc., 10 Fowler Avenue, Carmel, NY 10512, 845-225-3672, www.cargainfuneralhomes.com.
We at Cargain Funeral Homes, Inc. are deeply committed to responsibly responding to the health, well-being, and needs of the families, guests and communities we are privileged to serve