Joseph Kelleher, chair of Bronx chamber, 70, dies

Longtime Bronx Chamber of Commerce chair Joseph Patrick Kelleher of Katonah passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and two children on Nov. 25, 2022. He was 70.

He was born in New York City on Nov. 5, 1952, to the late Ellen Killourhy and James Kelleher.  he led a full life of love, hard work, philanthropy, friendship and dedication.

He served as president and chief operating officer of Hutch Management, a division of Simone Metro Properties, where he was responsible for overseeing the 42-acre Hutchinson Metro Center Office Complex with 1.4 million square feet of office, medical, retail and educational space, as well as other commercial properties in the Tri-State area. He joined the Hutchinson Metro Center in 2003 at the project’s inception, and has spearheaded the successful leasing activity at the complex, which is considered one of the most successful office parks in the region. 

He began his career in the real estate division of NYNEX as property manager for the corporate headquarters building at 1095 Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan. He subsequently served as property management director for Catalano Kornblum Management Corp., and Winoker Realty Corp., as well as being the chief executive of Casino New York LLC.

In addition to his leadership role at the Hutchinson Metro Center, he also served as co-chair of the Westchester Square Business Improvement District, and was on the board of directors of the New Rochelle Police Department Foundation.

He recently served as president of the Boy Scouts of America for the Bronx Council, and was on the board of directors for the BSA Greater New York Region for eight years.

He has been honored by the Bronx Business Alliance, Rotary Club, Bronx Board of Realtors, New York Police Department, Jacobi Hospital, Manhattan College, Liberty Democratic Association, RAIN, Mercy College and the Bronx Historical Society. He received the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizens Award, has been designated a Boy Scouts of America James E. West Fellow, and has received the Silver Beaver Award for his exceptional character and his distinguished service within the Bronx Council.

As a real property administrator, he was a member of the Building Owners and Managers Organization, Bronx-Manhattan Board of Realtors, graduate and member of the FBI Citizens Academy, and host of “Bronx Now” on BronxNet. He recently received an honorary doctorate of commercial science degree from Mercy College in recognition of his many achievements.

In addition to all of his business accomplishments, he was an extremely talented and gifted musician, playing the accordion, the guitar, and piano. He had the most beautiful voice and entertained those who were fortunate enough to be there when he was performing. 

He was the only tenor in the choir of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Katonah for more than 20 years. He also performed in many local community theatre shows.  had a band, and most recently “Yesterdaze,” a Beatles tribute cover band.

An avid golfer, he enjoyed the gym, and focused on his physical and spiritual well-being. He had a strong Catholic faith and said the rosary every day.

He was a devoted husband and father, always placing his family first.

He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta, and two wonderful children, Kristin and Ryan, as well as many dear family members, friends, co-workers and associates. 

Visitation was  held at Clark Associates Funeral Home, 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah on Wednesday.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 55 Valley Road, Katonah, on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery, 236 Lexington Ave., in Mount Kisco.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Brain Cancer Research Fund In Honor of Joseph Kelleher: Visit MSKCC.convio.net/goto/JosephKelleher.