Rory Kelleher

Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, Rory was the third of four sons of Margaret and Daniel Kelleher. He attended Stuyvesant High School before earning his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Fordham College in 1969 and his Juris Doctor from Columbia University School of Law in 1972, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.

Rory went on to a distinguished legal career spanning more than four decades. He practiced corporate law and financial transactions with major law firms in New York and London, including Lord, Day & Lord and Morgan Lewis, ultimately serving as a partner and later Senior Counsel at Sidley Austin LLP. His practice focused on corporate financing, equipment leasing, financing and securitization.

As accomplished as Rory was professionally, the center of his life was always his family. He and his wife, Camille, shared 52 years of marriage and raised their three children in New York City. He took enormous pride in his children and found particular joy in being a grandfather.

Maine held a special place in Rory’s heart throughout his life. His connection there stretched from his own childhood through his years as a father and grandfather, and it became the setting for generations of Kelleher family memories. He loved being on the water and especially loved sailing his boat, Jacobite, on Johns Bay. Time spent there with family, watching his children and grandchildren enjoy a place that had meant so much to him since he was a boy, brought him great happiness.

Rory’s Catholic faith was central to his life and was reflected in his decades of service to others.

A member of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta since 2004, Rory devoted more than 20 years to the Order’s mission of serving the sick and the poor. Together with Camille, he served as Co-Chair of the New York City Area for six years. He later served on the Board of the American Association, as Secretary and, beginning in 2024, as Secretary General. He was a Knight in Obedience and in 2023 was elevated to the grade of Knight Grand Cross.

His service through the Order took him on 10 pilgrimages to Lourdes as well as a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Some of his most meaningful work, however, took place close to home. For many years, Rory volunteered at Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center, serving elderly residents, children with disabilities, people living with serious illnesses and those in rehabilitation.

His commitment to service extended throughout New York’s Catholic community. He served for many years as a Trustee of the Catholic Health Care System, now ArchCare, and spent 15 years as a Director of Catholic Guardian Services, including 10 years as Board Chair. At the Church of St. Thomas More, he served as Parish Council President, Finance Council Chair, Lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. He also served for decades as an

Honorary Usher at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, including as its former Chief Honorary Usher. Rory was also a Knight Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of The Holy Sepulchre, and a member of the Order of Sts. Maurice & Lazarus and The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

For Rory, these roles reflected a deeply held commitment to his faith, his community and to helping others.

Rory is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Camille; his daughter, Theresa Kelleher, her husband, Jake Vick, and their daughter, Maeve, of Stoneham, Massachusetts; his son Brendan Kelleher, his wife, Kate, and their children, Finnegan, Brady and Reagan, of Darien, Connecticut; and his son Rory Kelleher of New York. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Kelleher of Atlanta, Georgia, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Margaret and Daniel Kelleher, and his brothers, Dennis Kelleher of Moraga, California, and Terrence Kelleher of Queens, New York.

Rory’s life was defined by his devotion to his family, his faith and his commitment to serving others. He leaves behind 52 years of marriage, three children, four grandchildren and countless memories with the family and friends who loved him. From New York to Maine and the waters of Johns Bay, he will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Order of Malta Human Services Foundation or the Catholic Health Care Foundation/ArchCare.