1933 – 2013

LEWISTON — John Anthony Kelleher, 79, passed away Monday, Feb. 11, at Russell Park Manor.

John was born April 3, 1933, in Melrose, Mass., the son of Joseph T. Kelleher and Agatha V. Kelleher. He earned his B.S. in physics in 1959 from Boston College, an M.S. in mathematics from Boston University in 1963 and his Ph.D. in seismology from Columbia University in 1972.

His accomplishments were many. John had several hobbies, including hiking in New Mexico, one of his favorite destinations, sailing his sailboat “Tsunami,” sea kayaking, amateur (HAM) radio and studying WWII history. John had a love of nature and animals, especially his dog, Max, who was a longtime companion.

John’s contributions to the field of seismology are numerous and are of worldwide significance. In the late ’80s, John was the program director for seismology at the National Science Foundation and president of Redwood Research, a firm that conducted research in earthquake prediction and emergency planning.

After his retirement, he moved to Maine, where his last adventure was assisting in the builing of a yurt, in which he resided until his move to Russell Park in 2011.

John will be remembered for his pride, his witty sense of humor, his amazing accomplishments in life, his love for fried clams and his occasional Irish temper.

John is survived by his loving friends, Dana and Rachel Labbay of Poland, and Chuck Reaney and Nanci Conan of Media, Pa.

We would like to extend our deepest thanks to the staff at Russell Park Manor and the Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice staff for taking such great care of John in his last days. John, you will be missed!

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to John’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.