Loved his family fiercely and was happiest when in their company
READING — Kevin A. Kelliher, of Reading, formerly of Melrose died Sunday, March 20, age 81. Born and raised in Everett, Kevin was predeceased by his parents Elwin and Kathleen (McAuliffe) Kelliher. Beloved husband of Frances (Carrabis) with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. Loving father of Jim Kelliher of Beverly, Chris Kelliher and his wife, Sherese, of South Dakota and Paula Antonevich and her Husband, Russ, of Boston. Cherished grandfather of Michael, Kevin, Allison, Brooke and Ashlyn. Proud great grandfather of Madden. Caring brother of John Kelliher and his wife, Joyce, of Swampscott; Colin Kelliher and his wife, Adrienne, of Marblehead; Mary Veno and her husband, Lenny, of Tewksbury and Richard Kelliher and his wife, Yvette, of Norwood. Caring brother-in-law of Bill Carrabis and his partner Patricia Francis of Norwood. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Kevin graduated BC High in 1957, and inspired by his cousin Henry Schlegel enlisted in the Marines, proudly serving for six years. In 1963, he joined NE Telephone and had a successful thirty-year career that started in the mailroom and ended as a regional manager. With a young family to support, Kevin still pursued his education part-time, earning a BS from Merrimack College and an MBA from Suffolk University. A highlight of his career was the opportunity to live and work in Gibraltar for three years, expanding his and Fran’s wide circle of friends and igniting a love of travel throughout Europe.
Kevin loved his family fiercely, and was happiest in their company. He will be remembered for his kindness and for his integrity for whom doing the right thing, no matter how difficult, was of utmost importance. Fondest memories were made with family vacations at Goose Rocks Beach in Maine and at La Piola in Volterra, Italy.
Kevin was a voracious reader with a deep passion for world and local history and a knack for remembering details and dates. After his retirement, he volunteered as a guide with Boston by Foot.
In spite of serious medical challenges diagnosed in his 20’s, Kevin was willing to try medical interventions that would improve and prolong his health. The family is grateful for the medical staff at Lahey Clinic who gave him a lifetime of quality care. In lieu of flowers please honor Kevin’s memory with a donation to the Melrose Veteran’s Fund, c/o Veterans Office, 201 West Foster St. Melrose, MA 02176, to the New England Animal Shelter, 595 West Center St., W. Bridgewater, MA 02379 or to a Charity of Choice. Semper Fi.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Thursday, March 24, 2022 from 4 – 7 p.m. Family and friends can gather at the funeral home on Friday morning March 25 at 10 a.m. prior to the Mass of Christian burial at Most Blessed Sacrament Church 1155 Main St. Wakefield at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose will be private. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com. 