Joseph F. Kelliher

Joseph Francis Kelliher, 92, of Southington, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 8, 2019 at Sheriden Woods in Bristol.  He was the husband of Lois (Bighinatti) Kelliher, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.

Born in Hartford on February 27, 1927, he was the youngest of five children to the late John T. and Johanna (Curran) Kelliher.  Raised in Hartford he attended local schools, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944.  He proudly served his country for two years during W.W. II, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1946.  A founding member of the Patrol Craft Sailors Association, Joe was an integral part of their membership and coordinating of reunions which he travelled countrywide to attend.  During his marriage to Lois they raised their family in New Britain, before owning the Town House Motor Inn in Cambridge, NY, later returning to Southington upon their retirement.  A man ahead of his time with technology, he was on the forefront of electronic scanners and computers at Pitney Bowes, where he worked for more than 30 years, and remained computer savvy until his 90’s.  He is now pain free and at peace, reunited with his siblings and infant daughter who predeceased him.

In addition to his wife, Lois, he leaves his daughter Kathleen Kelliher of Plainville; his son, James Kelliher and his wife, Pamela of FL., 2 grandsons, Shawn and Chad; along with many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Lora; his sister Genevieve who helped raise him, and his brothers, John, Henry and Timothy.

In lieu of flowers, Joseph may be remembered with contributions to the House of Heroes CT, 3000 Whitney Ave, Suite 233, Hamden, CT 06518.

Funeral services in celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Tuesday at 9 a.m. from Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church.  Family and friends may gather on Monday evening, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

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