Richard Joseph Kelleher

Richard “Dick” Kelleher was born on January 18, 1929, in Stoughton, Massachusetts, to Daniel and Gertrude Kelliher. He met the love of his life, Mary Cimorelli, in high school at the age of 15. After graduating in 1947, Dick joined the Marine Corps and served four years. He returned to civilian life and married his high school sweetheart in 1951. They had six children and were married for 67 years before Mary passed away in 2018.

After spending a few short years as a civilian, Dick reenlisted in the Marine Corps and began his journey as a career Marine. Dick proudly served his Country for a total of 28 commendable years. He served in Vietnam where he received the Vietnam Service Medal (w/ 5 stars). Over the course of his career, he received many other medals and commendations: National Defense Service Medal (w/ 1 star); Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Commendation with “V”; Good Conduct Medal (w/ 7 stars), and Presidential Unit Commendation, to name just a few.

Dick had a passion for music, and he was able to transfer this into his career where he was a Bandsman (Trumpet) and later went on to become an Enlisted Band Leader for the 1st MAW, 3rd MAW and 1st Marine Division (Camp Pendleton). This was his last role before retiring on December 31, 1979, when he celebrated by donning his mess dress and tasting the New Year as a retired Marine. He then went on to have a 15-year career working for the United States Postal Service. He also used his G.I. Bill to take some classes at the local junior college.

Dick led a life filled with integrity. He was humble, patient, and generous. He had a great sense of humor, always quick to share a joke or two. He took his role as a husband and father seriously and he always led by example, much as he did while a Marine. Albeit quiet, he had a commanding presence and always earned the respect of others. This was evident by the many phone calls he received after retiring from young marines with whom he served wanting to express their gratitude for the positive influence he had on their lives.

His life was well lived.

He is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Rick & Paula Kelleher and Jim & Joanie Kelleher; two daughters and sons-in-law, Denise & Mike Tinney and Debbie & Greg Ward; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, 04/23/21. The family welcomes you to attend any of these services.

There will be a Rosary held at 10:30am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00am at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Oceanside, California. Burial will be at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside, CA following the Mass at 12:15pm.

The family welcomes everyone to join them at a Reception and Celebration of Life at Rookies Sports Bar & Grill in Oceanside immediately following the burial.

Dick’s final resting place will be at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside, California.