BROOKLINE — The Town of Brookline is mourning the loss of Richard J. Kelliher, who served as town administrator from 1994 to 2010. Kelliher, who passed away peacefully on September 24 at the age of 75, is remembered for his significant contributions to both Brookline and Massachusetts local government over a career that spanned four decades.
According to a statement from the Town of Brookline, Kelliher oversaw key projects during his tenure, including the renovation of Town Hall and the development of Brookline Place. He was also instrumental in creating comprehensive fiscal policies that ensured the town’s financial stability and in transitioning the town to the Group Insurance Commission for healthcare coverage.
“Rich Kelliher was a dedicated public servant who made a lasting impact on our town. His leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping Brookline into the vibrant community it is today,” said current Town Administrator Chas Carey in the statement.
(Photo Courtesy of the Town of Brookline)
Kelliher’s career in public service extended beyond Brookline. According to his obituary, he served as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Newton for 10 years and worked in the administration of former Boston Mayor Kevin White for nearly a decade. He also held positions at the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA), where he served as president in 2005, and as a senior fellow at the Moakley Center for Public Management at Suffolk University.
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Kelliher was involved in various study and action committees focused on labor relations, revenue sharing, and group health insurance throughout his career. He was the first municipal designee appointed to the state Group Insurance Commission and served on the Local Aid Task Force for the Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance, as stated in his obituary.
Kelliher held a Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School and a BA in Government from Harvard College. He is survived by his wife, Yvette, his sons Owen and Edward, and four grandchildren. He is also remembered by his siblings and extended family.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, September 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Kfoury Keefe Funeral Home in West Roxbury. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made in Kelliher’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
