Kelleher, William Paul

William (Bill) Paul Kelleher of Coventry, Connecticut passed away on Monday, January 2nd 2023, at the age of 91. Bill died peacefully with his family by his side.

Bill was born in Goodyear (now Killingly) CT, to father William Leo Kelleher and mother Pauline (Trudeau) Kelleher. The oldest of two sons, Bill was an avid athlete and lifelong learner who valued exercising the mind and the body. After attending Putnam High School where he was an outstanding football hero and held multiple long-standing track and field records, he attended Brown University and then the University of Connecticut, graduating with a Masters Degree in Education. He played football at Brown and ran track at UConn, solidifying his lifelong love for the sport. After graduation, he taught Biology and coached at East Hartford High School before starting a long and storied career as Track and Field Coach and Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut.

Despite multiple championships and undefeated seasons over a 22 year career at UConn and then a seven year career at Trinity College after “retiring”, Coach Kelleher's contribution to UConn and the sport of track and field can't be measured in wins and losses alone. A true educator, his unyielding adherence to a principled coaching philosophy produced four All Americans, one Olympian, and the Big East's first ever Team Champion. His philosophy produced not just great teams and individuals, but grounded, educated young men and women who are better people for having been coached by him.

Bill also had a large and loving family. He married his high school sweetheart Joy (Wilde) Kelleher in 1950, and they enjoyed 72 years together raising a family, running a successful business, and traveling. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jim Kelleher, and by his daughter Ellen (Kelleher) Marrotte. He is survived by his wife Joy; sons Bruce and his wife Jean, Brian and his wife Cherie, and Barry; grandchildren Jennifer, Alyssa, Candice, Brenna, Jocelyn, Chelsea, Vanessa, and Charlotte; and numerous great grandchildren. He was also a lifelong member of the Coventry Lions Club.

In lieu of a memorial service, Bill's family will be remembering and celebrating his life privately at his favorite places. People wishing to honor Bill's lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations in his memory to the Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic, CT, which Bill supported and delivered food to for over 20 years. Please make all donations in his name on their website at www.covenantsoupkitchen.org

“This is a world of action, and not moping or droning in…..” – Charles Dickens