Robert M. Kelleher

Dr. Robert Kelleher passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at St. Peter's hospital surrounded by his family and a steady parade of friends and colleagues.

"Dr. Bob" was born in Fort Edward NY and grew up in Saratoga where his father practiced medicine from the basement of the family home. The Kelleher family was a raucous, loving, active clan.

Dr. Bob attended St. Clements's school in Saratoga, Le Moyne College in Syracuse, and Albany Medical College. He completed a residency in internal medicine at the Cleveland Clinic and set up practice in Albany in 1976. He was medically affiliated with St. Peter's Hospital for 44 years, serving as Chief of Internal Medicine and as a long standing member of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. His dedication to his practice, his patients and their families was legendary.

Dr. Bob also served as Medical Director of the NYS Police, a position he held with great honor. He deeply loved his state police family and was honored by their trust in him. He often spoke of the dedication the State Police have for their brethren and to the community. He was awed by their abilities, compassion, and dedication. His family is eternally grateful for all their support.

Dr. Bob was also known as "Dr. Dolittle" for his love of animals. He had many stories about the animals he grew up with including Queenie the dancing Palomino from the circus. He filled his home with an assortment of critters from chipmunks to dogs and cats, and he brought home many wounded wildlife pets to be nursed back to health.

Dr.Bob lived a full and valued life. He was passionate about his life in medicine. He raised a beautiful loving family. He loved the minutia of daily life and didn't need fancy cars or bright lights to be happy. He knew that the measure of success is not the size of your bank account but the number of people whose lives you have touched Dr. Bob was also known as "Dr. Dolittle" for his love of animals. He had many stories about the animals he grew up with including Queenie the dancing Palomino from the circus. He filled his home with an assortment of critters from chipmunks to dogs and cats, and he brought home many wounded wildlife pets to be nursed back to health.
Dr.Bob lived a full and valued life. He was passionate about his life in medicine. He raised a beautiful loving family. He loved the minutia of daily life and didn't need fancy cars or bright lights to be happy. He knew that the measure of success is not the size of your bank account but the number of people whose lives you have touched--and he bettered the lives of all of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Dr. Bob is predeceased by parents from Saratoga, Dr. Vincent (Ray) Kelleher and Helen (Bal) Kelleher; his sister, Helen Coyne; his nephews, Clancy Coyne and Chase Campoli.

He is survived by his his wife of 49 years, Ruth Ellen (Haag) Kelleher, resides in the family home in Colonie; 3 sons, Jason Kelleher (Christine Zapotoczky) of Washington DC, Eric Kelleher (Sharon Huppe) of Orinda CA, and Ethan Kelleher (Megan Thomas) of Northboro MA; 6 loving grandchildren, Peyton Kelleher (17), Jonathan Kelleher (14), Gavin Kelleher (11), Liam Kelleher (13), Jude Kelleher (9), and Gabriel Kelleher (11); and siblings, Joseph Kelleher of Saratoga, Raymond Kelleher of Saratoga, Patrick Kelleher of Berea Kentucky, and Mary Pat Glovich of Freehold New Jersey.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2019 from 4-7pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205. A funeral service will be on Friday, May 31, 2019 at 10 am at New Comer Cremations & Funerals. Graveside services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers donations in Bob's name can be made to the World Wildlife Federation or the New York State Police Benevolent Trooper Foundation.