Honorable Duane Kelleher 's Obituary
Duane Joseph Kelleher, 87, died peacefully surrounded by love, at his home at the Hermitage of Roanoke, the evening of May 1, 2015.
Duane was a Federal Bankruptcy Judge for 26 years for the Southern District of Ohio including Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton and 45 other counties. He had been serving as Chief Judge for seven years at the time of his retirement in 1986. Duane was a proud veteran of World War II. After service in the Marine Corps and attendance at Ohio State University where he met Jo Ann, they married and raised their family in Old Beechwold, a neighborhood of Columbus. They were longtime members of Our Lady of Peace and then St. Timothy’s Catholic Church.
Known to many as “Irish”, he was a long-time Boy Scoutmaster, an avid golfer, an excellent duplicate bridge player, a life-time member of the Knights of Columbus and a Buckeye Football Usher for 37 years. Irish was a talented whistler, enjoyed singing and surprised family and friends when he played the part of Old Joe in a Community Theatre production of “The Girls of 509". He was known for his integrity, temperate speech, and rarely forgetting a name. After retirement, Irish and Jo wintered as snowbirds in Edgewater, Florida. They provided a respite for many children over the years and a warm gathering place until his final days.
Survived by beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Jo Ann Mary Haidet Kelleher, their children and spouses Kevin Charles (Michelle), Dori Ann (Steve Davis), Brian Joseph (Janet), Douglas Duane (Teresa), and Susan Kathleen (Joseph Golden), their 12 grandchildren Meghan and Molly; Caitlin, Brooklyn and Madison; Cathy, Ryan and Giuliana; Kelsey; Allyse, Jocelyn and Rebecca; and great-grandson, Patrick with two more on the way!
Born in 1927 in Alliance, Ohio of Timothy and Ethel (Ruffier) Kelleher, he was one of seven children.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Tim and Jim, sisters Janet Marteney and Katie Hardy, nephews Timmy Kelleher, Jamie Kelleher, Mitch Frantz, niece Sandy Marteney and grand-niece Amy Jo.
He is survived additionally by sisters Effie Jones, Carol Frantz, sister-in-laws Ann and Barb along with a multitude of loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Papa was greatly respected and much loved. Having lived a long, full life - he will yet be very dearly missed.
The family will receive friends on Saturday May 9, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Alliance. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Rev. Matthew J. Mankowski as Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke or to The National Foundation for Cancer Research.
Arrangements are by the Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home. Online condolences can be given at www.sharerfuneralhome.com.
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