Neal B. Kelliher

Neal B. Kelliher, age 87, of Elburn, Illinois passed away Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, Illinois with his wife by his side.

He was born April 14, 1935, in Chicago, the son of Irish immigrants, Michael and Elizabeth (Garvey) Kelliher.

Neal graduated from St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana. He volunteered for two years of service in the Army following in the footsteps of his father who fought in World War I and his brothers who fought in World War II.  He married the love of his life, Judy (Bresland) in 1962.  He achieved his master's degree in English from DePaul University in Chicago. Neal taught high school English for over 30 years and spent the bulk of his career at Washington High School in Chicago.

Neal was a dedicated family man, a true nature lover, avid reader and writer of poetry, and a history buff, especially when it came to WWII.   In his younger years he enjoyed an occasional trip to Vegas with Judy and their friends.  He enjoyed his Chicago sports including the White Sox and Bears.  He was a devoted father and made sure all his children, grandchildren, and wife of 59 years knew they were loved and adored in the end.  He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Judy (Bresland); children Nancy (John) Kluck of Geneva, Patty (Dave) Salela of Geneva, Mike (Jessica Williams) Kelliher of Naperville, Lisa Kelliher of Florida, Katy (Michael) Gabriel of Florida; grandchildren Maggie (Chris) LaFleur of Batavia, Kelly (Brett) Evans of Chicago, Thomas Kluck of Batavia, Erin (Bobby) McDonald of Elmhurst, IL, and Nicole Kluck of Geneva; Declan and Chloe Kelliher both of Naperville; Michael and Christian Gabriel of Florida; Julia Salela of Geneva, Patrick Salela of Geneva, and Olivia Salela of Geneva; great-grandchildren Anderson and Campbell Evans; Mason and Liam LaFleur; and Jack McDonald; and many other dear relatives and friends. 

Neal was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Catherine Kelliher, Robert Kelliher, Eleanor Nolan, Florence Williamson, Eugene Kelliher, and Ray Kelliher. 

Funeral Prayers will be held Saturday, June 11th at 9:30 am at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street, Geneva, Illinois proceeding to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva, Illinois for Celebration of Funeral Mass, at 10:30 am with Father John Kladar, Celebrant.  

A visitation for Neal will be held Friday, June 10th 2022, at Malone Funeral Home from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Rosary recited at 7:45 pm with Deacon Greg D’Anna officiating.

Interment is private. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Wounded Warrior Project, 230 W Monroe St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60606 or visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or Anderson Humane Animal Shelter, 1000 S La Fox St, South Elgin, IL 60177 or visit https://ahconnects.org/

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva. 

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