Cornelius Vincent Kelliher Jr.

He was born on February 17, 1937, the son of Cornelius and Mary Elizabeth Kelliher. Corny is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janice (Woodrick), his children: Helen Elizabeth and husband Mike Jackson, Fairfax VA; Carole Ann, Falls Church VA; Nancy Marie and husband Leon Scales, Salem VA; seven grandchildren: Dylan Reid; David Michael, Brett Ryan, Erik Jon-Cornelius, Taylor Marie, Kennedy Leanne, and LJ; and his brother Joe and wife Beverly.

Corny was born and raised in Washington DC, by his parents with two brothers (James and Joe) and many aunts, uncles and cousins close by. An American of Irish/English descent and a Roman Catholic, he was proud of his heritage and the values and beliefs that were passed down from his grandparents, much of which was a result from their experiences and upbringing during their early lives in Ireland and England.

Corny was a hard worker and dedicated to all things in his life including his family, job, volunteer work, the Nationals and Redskins #HTTR. He graduated from Western High School in 1955 and served over 5 years in the Army Reserves. Corny was then recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency where he worked for 37 years. After retiring from the Agency, he worked as a contractor for Arms Control and then the State Department for 13 years. Over the years he enjoyed playing slow pitch softball, duck pin bowling and attending Redskins and Nationals games. In addition, he served his community through his participation with his Homeowner Associations in Pinewood Greens and Orleans Court as well as the Knights of Columbus in Arlington, VA.

Corny met Janice in the Fall of 1966, one night when he was bowling. Janice went with her roommate at the time, to the bowling alley and the rest as they say is history--they married on August 19, 1967. He was devoted to his wife of 54 years and built a loving, enduring life for his girls. Everything he did was for his family. His love for his family was evident throughout his life—and this love extended to all those who were fortunate to know him. Staying connected with his family and friends was very important to him. He grew up in a time where relatives and friends knew one another, visited often, had lasting relationships, and watched out for each other. He carried this forward with his wife and daughters, ensuring that they too remained close to relatives and forged friendships that would last a lifetime. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, and a wonderful father, grandfather and friend.

Visitation will be held at Murphy Funeral Home in Falls Church on Sunday, January 9, 2022 during the hours of 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The memorial service will be held on Monday, January 10, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Murphy Funeral Home, followed by the burial service at National Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Corny to the Parkinson Foundation (www.parkinson.org); or the Washington Regional Transplant Community (www.beadonor.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.murphy-fh.com for the Kelliher family.