Kelliher, Donald R.

Donald Robert Kelliher, 97, a proud member of “America’s Greatest Generation” and longtime resident of Canton, passed away on Friday, July 14, in Dover, New Hampshire, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on December 29, 1919, Don lived a long, remarkable and rewarding life. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served in Africa, Italy, Germany, and France. He used the G.I. Bill to attend Northeastern University, receiving a mechanical engineering degree and being the first in his family to graduate from college. He passed on his love of knowledge to his children, who all received secondary degrees.

Along with his lifelong friend, Frank Madden, he was among the pioneers in aerial reconnaissance. They worked together on the Corona program, which was the first satellite to photograph the Soviet Union. The camera they developed for Corona is on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. The level of photographic resolution they helped perfect for the camera was used for more than several decades. Don was also recognized for his work on the Viking Program to Mars. After Corona, he consulted on reconnaissance projects in the Middle East.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Rose (Murphy) Kelliher; his children: Donald Robert Jr. and his wife, Debe, Maureen Kelliher and her partner, Robert LaBrie, Ann Becker and her husband, Paul, and Dan Kelliher, who cared for him in his later years; and his five grandchildren (who he adored and mentored): Tracey Kelliher and her husband, Glenn Gran, and their son, Gabriel, Julie Kelliher and her partner, Ben Morrow, Catherine Becker and her husband, Brett Bolin, and James and Matthew Becker. Also survived by his brother Richard Kelliher and his wife, Mary, of Oceanside, CA. Other survivors include several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Donald was also preceded in death by his sisters Marie Winchester, Margaret Sheehan and Rita Klim and his brother Frederick Kelleher.

In addition to his career, Don will be remembered for his passion for construction, as he never shied away from a dirty, hands-on job. He was also a shade-tree mechanic often in the process of repairing at least one car. Wanting to spend time with his children, he learned to ski in his 40s and continued the activity well into his 80s. He began his running career in his 70s and joined the 65 Plus Runners Club and participated in one Marine Corps Marathon.

Don and his grandchildren were mutual admirers and he truly enjoyed their referring to him as G.P. He will also be remembered by all who knew him for his integrity, honesty and humor.

A celebration of Donald’s life was held on Thursday, July 20, in the Sheehan, Lowe & Powers Funeral Home in Stoughton, followed by a funeral mass in St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton. The Kelliher family is very grateful to the Canton veterans who performed the military honors at Donald’s funeral. Donations in Don’s memory can be made to the Canton Veterans Fund, 801 Washington St., Canton, MA 02021.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Jul 28 2017. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.