William Kelleher

William Edward (Bill) Kelleher When Bill Kelleher was faced with a particularly daunting project as an editor, he would break the ice with a quip or a quote. His favorite was from Dorothy Parker: “What fresh hell is this?”. Then he would get down to what he did best, solving problems and writing beautiful, meticulously researched educational materials. Mr. Kelleher died Saturday, December 2nd at the age of 67 after an 18 month battle with esophageal cancer. Mr. Kelleher (Bill) grew up in Hillside, Illinois the 3rd of 4 children born to Margaret (Jean) Kelleher and William J. Kelleher. He attended St. Domitilla grammar school and was a 1973 graduate of St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois. He received a B.A. in English/Rhetoric from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and a Masters Degree in Education from National Louis University in 1999. Bill dedicated his career to education, first as an English teacher at Gordon Technical High School and then in the world of educational publishing with Scott-Foresman, Pearson, and McGraw Hill. Bill leaves a legacy based on his talent, commitment, and charm. He was a strong leader, and his calm and experienced presence was a key factor in building successful reading and social studies programs. He was a fount of personal and professional wisdom which made him a mentor to many. Bill’s long career will be fondly remembered for the impact he made on communities of learners and on those who were fortunate to work with and learn from him. Bill’s kind and self-effacing nature belied a wealth of talent and creativity. He had a passion for the written word and, moreover, the correctly written word. He was an avid reader who always had more than a few thoughts about how a book could have been better written. Bill had a love of music that drove him to become an accomplished pianist and proficient “penny whistler”. An avid gardener, Bill planted and maintained the public garden in front of the Douglas post office which was a source of joy for everyone in town who came to pick up their mail. Bill also gave his talents to the Saugatuck-Douglas History Center by writing and editing copy for the museum's exhibits and and publications. As a member of the Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ's art guild, Bill helped to decorate the church sanctuary for each season and holiday. The Christmas 2023 installation was dedicated to Bill's memory. Mr. Kelleher (Bill) is survived by John Kerr, his husband of 30 years. He is also survived by his mother, Margaret Jean Kelleher, and siblings Michael Kelleher, M.D. (Laurie Kenfield, M.D.), Mary (Peter) Tassone and Patricia Kelleher, M.D. (Henry Rose). He was the fond uncle of Muriel, Thomas (Kimmy) and William (Jessica) Kenfield-Kelleher, Patrick (Yemi) and Marianne (Matt Becker) Tassone, Brendan (YiPei Chen-Josephson), Christopher and Kieran Rose and the fond great-uncle of seven. He was preceded in death by his father, William J. Kelleher Bill’s quiet, good-natured presence will be greatly missed by his dear friends in the Saugatuck/Douglas community, the Chicago area, California, Ireland, New Zealand, and other places around the world. A service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held December 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ, 56 W Wall St, Douglas, MI 49406. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Bill’s favorite local charities. (click the links below to donate online) 'Christian Neighbors' identifies and undertakes to alleviate the symptoms created by poverty, embracing those in our community who are in need by providing them with food, clothing, help with rent, heat, and other basic needs. 'Westshore Aware' is dedicated to increasing the public awareness of the contribution that gay men and women make to the local community. The organization awards annual scholarships to area LGBTQ students and provides significant financial support to other local charities and non-profits. 'The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center' preserves local history and inspires learning to inform and improve our community. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Kelleher, please visit our flower store.