Richard D. Kelleher, 86, of Bellefonte, passed away Friday, December 20, 2013, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in College Township. Born on November 20, 1927, in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Thomas Joseph and Nina (Strunk) Kelleher. On August 26, 1950, he married Evelyn C. Campbell who preceded him in death.
He attended St. John’s Catholic School and was a 1945 graduate of Bellefonte Area High School and 1951 graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. in Business Education. He taught at Sullivan County School District for five years, then returned to Bellefonte and taught Business Math and Typing for 36 years until his retirement in 1991.
Richard was yearbook advisor for the LaBelle, taught continuing Ed classes at State College High, worked part time and during summers at the Bellefonte Hardware; he later painted and installed shingle roofs with Dick Wian and Dick Bell. Dick was a member of the Senior Bowling League and the Knights of Columbus. He will always be remembered for having a pocketful of tootsie rolls and passing them out to everyone he would meet.
He is survived by one daughter, Lynne M. McGowan (John) of Anderson, SC, three sons; Michael R., John P. and David B. Kelleher all of Bellefonte. Also surviving are five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Evelyn, daughter, Mary Kay, daughter-in-law, Martha, two grandsons, Daniel Kelleher and Daniel Miller, five sisters and four brothers.
A public visitation will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2013 from 6-8 pm at Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte, with a vigil for the deceased at 8pm with Deacon Thomas Boldin.
Funeral mass will be held Monday, December 23, 2013 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 134 E. Bishop Street, Bellefonte, with Father George Jakopac officiating.
Committal will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Bellefonte.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic School at 116 E. Bishop Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823.
Online condolences may be made at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.