Francis "Frank" Xavier Kelliher March 8, 1948 – July 23, 2026

Francis Xavier “Fran, Frank” Kelliher passed away on July 23, 2026, at the age of 78. He was born on March 8, 1948, to Robert Emmet Kelliher and Margaret Elizabeth “Bess” MacNeil. Frank grew up in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, where he spent most of his life, except for his cherished summers in Falmouth on Cape Cod. He attended The English High School before pursuing a degree in accounting from Bentley College. He devoted his entire professional career to the Boston Redevelopment Authority (EDIC), where his dedication and work ethic saw him rise from the mail room to Assistant Controller. A lifelong Type 1 diabetic, Frank never let his diagnosis define him. Instead, he used his experience to educate others about the disease and was always willing to share his knowledge and encouragement. Frank embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved skiing in New Hampshire and traveling out west in search of fresh powder. Summers were spent golfing at Falmouth Country Club and swimming in the balmy waters of Buzzards Bay, especially at Chappoquoit Beach. If there was a stereo nearby, chances were Frank was filling the room with his beloved Irish and folk music. He remained a steadfast fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, even if his colorful commentary on their performances occasionally included a few choice expletives. Frank was loving, funny, and delightfully quirky, with a penchant for offering advice to anyone. He genuinely enjoyed connecting with people and never hesitated to help those in need, whether they asked or not. As anyone who knew him could attest, Frank always "knew a guy." Above all, Frank was a devoted husband and father. He delighted in building elaborate sandcastles, getting the kids wound up just before bedtime, and, later in life, offering career guidance or recommending the best mechanic in town. His generosity, humor, and unwavering support left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia M. (Carney) Kelliher; his children, Timothy and Caitlin; his brother, Robert E. “Bob” Kelliher; his sister, Katherine McKnight; and many extended family members and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Margaret Hoffman.

Funeral from the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury on Friday July 31, at 9:00 am. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. John Chrysostom Church, 4750 Washington St. West Roxbury at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours in the funeral home on Thursday July 30, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association https://donate.diabetes.org/wefight or GBH https://www.wgbh.org/help/donations-and-membership-faqs his source of entertainment. Frank will be remembered for his gregarious spirit, his inappropriate jokes, his endless stories, and his unwavering dedication to helping those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, generosity, and kindness that will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.