Joseph Patrick Kelleher, a veteran commercial real estate executive and former chairman of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, died on Nov. 25

Joseph Patrick Kelleher, a veteran commercial real estate executive and former chairman of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, died on Nov. 25. He passed away at home surrounded by his wife and two children. The cause of death was Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Kelleher was diagnosed in May 2022.

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

Kelleher served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Hutch Management LLC, 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 Class A 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 New York. He subsequently served as Director of Property Management for Catalano Kornblum Management Corporation and Winoker Realty Corporation, as well as being the Chief Executive Officer of Casino New York LLC.

In addition to his leadership role at the Hutchinson Metro Center, Kelleher also served as Chairman of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, 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, NYC Police Department, Jacobi Hospital, Manhattan College, Liberty Democratic Association, R.A.I.N., Mercy College, Bronx Historical Society, 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.

Kelleher, a Real Property Administrator, 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 the BronxNet Network. He recently received an Honorary Doctor of Commercial Science Degree from Mercy College in recognition of his many achievements.

In addition to all of his business accomplishments, Kelleher was a talented and gifted musician playing the accordion, the guitar, and piano. 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 theater shows. He always had a band, including most recently “Yesterdaze,” a Beatles tribute cover band. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed the gym, and focused on his physical and spiritual well-being. Kelleher 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.

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