Joseph Kelleher

Having lived a long and happy life, spent with family and friends, Joe passed from the arms of his loved ones to the arms of our lord, on April 11, 2024

Joe was born in Paterson NJ to Mike and Marge Kelleher and entered life a few minutes after his twin, and partner in crime, Frank. His sister Anne joined the boys a few years later.

Growing up in Paterson, he was a member of the Paterson Skating Club for years where he competed and was quite successful.  Following graduation from St. Mary’s High School, Joe enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Brooklyn, NY.  After his service,  he married the love of his life Mary. They were married for an amazing 68 years. Joe and Mary started their family on Walnut St. in Paterson eventually moving to Wayne where they raised their family of 4. Kathy (Bob), Tim (Joan), John (Florence), and Mary Beth (Don), growing into an extended family of 9 grandchildren- Chris, Corinne (Dan), Danny (Alaina), Siobhan, Timothy, Ian, Daniel, Brian & Kaitlyn.  3 step grands, Megan, Kevin, and Jay (Carrie), and 7 great-grandchildren Janessa, Ariana, Vanessa, Lilly, Gabby, Payton, and Kaylee.  After Wayne , Joe and Mary moved to their dream house in Mahwah where summer BBQ’s, holiday celebrations and weekends of family at the pool filled the next 30 plus years. Their home was always open to drop in for a minute or stay for as long as you needed to. It was filled with love.

There was nothing he enjoyed more than being surrounded by his family.  His patience may have been tested at times but an occasional “Hey, Hey, Hey” would be bellowed bringing order to the chaos.

His career started in sales at Singer Kearfott. He went on to get his BS in Business from Seton Hall University at night while raising his young family. Moving on from Kearfott, he joined his brother Frank at GJ Haerer Inc where they built a successful business together. Eventually, he retired from sales to spend more time in his garden and on the 18th green.

An avid golfer, he was a long-time member of Upper Montclair Country Club where he enjoyed years of golf, friends, and many birthday celebrations and where he proudly claimed 2  hole in ones. 

Vermont was a special place for the Kelleher family and many memories were made at his vacation home. He enjoyed skiing at Stratton and late-night dinners around the fireplace with a glass of red wine with extended family and friends.

Joe and Mary traveled the world enjoying Europe, Ireland, and many island destinations, oftentimes sharing the adventures with lifelong friends.

Although Parkinson's made it tough at the end, you could still catch a glimpse of that twinkle in his eye and his sly smile.  His life was a true testament to his faith and values that will live forever in our hearts.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday April 15,2024, from 4-8pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481. A Funeral Mass is planned for Tuesday April 16,2024, 10am at St. Elizabeth's R.C. Church ,700 Wyckoff Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481.Entombment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery,770 Darlington Ave. Mahwah, NJ 07430.  lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson’s research via the Michael J Fox foundation at give.michaeljfox.org

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