Leonard “Lenny” W. Kelliher, of Allston, MA passed away peacefully on May 31, 2021. Lenny was the husband of the late Nancy (Carll) Kelliher. He was the son of the late John J. Kelliher, Sr. and Edith (Landry).
Lenny was born May 13, 1933 in Allston, MA. As a proud lifelong resident he remained active in his community and was a well-known member of the Allston Civic Association. He was especially active as an advocate for the neighborhood in response to Harvard University’s redevelopment in the area. Lenny had a gang of close friends growing up in Allston including his big brother Jackie and little sister Nancy. He would often recount stories of the neighborhood as he remembered it as a child.
A proud Korean War Veteran Lenny was in the Navy and served in Japan and Korea. Lenny worked for the New England Telephone Company and retired after forty years.
He was a big Red Sox fan and was himself very athletic in his day. He enjoyed swimming, bowling and playing softball but his favorite sport was going to watch his grandchildren's games.
Above all, Lenny was a mentor and friend to many. He was always there for anyone who came to him for support. His advice, given freely in the form of his “humble opinion”, could be words of comfort or, at times, a hard truth. His compassion was legendary.
Devoted father of Susan Kelliher and her husband Dennis Normant of Waltham, Patricia Kelliher of Brighton, Kerry Cook and her husband Frederick of Needham, Michael Kelliher, Elizabeth “DeeDee” Kelliher and her husband Nafiz Albayrak, Amy Kelliher all of Allston. Loving grandfather of Elizabeth Dombrowski and her husband Ricard Masia, Charlie Cook and his wife Emily, Sam and Jake Cook, Brian, Jessica and Melissa Kelliher. Great Grandfather of Rafael and Eduard Masia. Brother of Nancy Hastings and her late husband Edward, Susan Whitworth and her husband Luke and the late John “Jack” Kelliher and his late wife Teresa. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the Lehman Reen & McNamara Funeral Home, on Saturday June 5th at 9am. Followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Anthony Church 43 Holton Street Allston at 10am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting Hours Friday June 4th from 4-8 pm in the funeral home. Interment Newton Cemetery. Lenny was a very generous man and donated to many charities. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Lenny may be made to the charity of your choice.
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