Published in the November 17, 2017 edition
PEABODY — Dr. John J.”Jack” Kelliher, DMD, 76, of Peabody, formerly of Melrose, passed away at Massachusetts General Hospital on November 12, 2017. Jack was born and raised in Melrose on Kiley Farm. He attended St. Mary’s School in Melrose and went on to graduate from B.C. High School in 1958. Jack graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1962. After Holy Cross, he went on to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. After graduating dental school in 1966, Jack married his wife of 51 years Susan Collins. Jack joined the United States Navy and was stationed as the base dentist at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, in North Carolina.
Jack and Susan returned to his hometown of Melrose in 1968. Jack went on to open his dental practice where he served the families of Melrose and beyond for almost 40 years. Jack and Susan happily raised their three children John, Katie and Matthew. Jack enjoyed puttering in his extensive perennial gardens, watching his children participate in various sporting events and a ballet recital or two, and his weekly golf game with friends. In retirement, Jack cherished his time with his wife, their winters in Naples, Florida and watching his grandchildren grow and flourish.
He is remembered as a devoted husband, the best dad ever, a beloved Papa, and a dear friend to many.
Jack was the beloved husband of 51 years to Susan (Collins) Kelliher. Loving father of John J. Kelliher IV and his wife Juliana of Houston, Texas, Matthew Kelliher and his wife Shannon of Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Katie Welch and her husband Christopher of Salem. Cherished grandfather of Fleming, Dean, Quinn, Madison, Juliet, Lucy, and the late Maeve. Also survived by many wonderful relatives and friends.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Thursday, November 16. Funeral procession from the funeral home on Friday morning, November 17, at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St. Melrose at 10 a.m. Interment at St. Patrick Cemetery in Stoneham. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. US Navy Vietnam-era Veteran. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s name to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8517 or @ www.support.woundedwarriorproject.com. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
