On Aug. 22, John Kelleher, a well-respected and beloved Professor of History at Cecil College passed away following a tragic accident.

Professor Kelleher was with Cecil College for eight years, having started in the fall of 2016. In that time, he enriched the lives of faculty, staff, and students in the College community through his energetic personality and interactive teaching style.

Professor Susan Bernadzikowski, who worked with Kelleher in the English and Humanities department, spoke highly of him, saying “he had a photographic memory, and a deep knowledge of… history, politics, music, art, and literature.” She recalled how they both often arrived on campus early in the morning and that his energetic personality contributed to everyone having a positive start to their day.

When asked about her favorite memories of Professor Kelleher, Professor Bernadzikowski admitted it was hard to pick out any because there were so many that stood out to her. She did, however, recall one day when she visited his class to see him teach the Holocaust, “It was fascinating to watch him teach and have his students make the connections for themselves.”

When reached for comment, Amanda Demers, the Director of Library Services and a close friend of Kelleher’s, said “His brilliant mind and kind spirit filled our library with thoughtful conversation, often shared over many cups of coffee. John made this place brighter, and he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. This cup is on us – cheers to you, John.”

Melissa D’Agostino, an Instructional Librarian on campus and another of Kelleher’s close friends, reminisced about Kelleher’s sociable and eccentric nature, saying he was “the embodiment of the absent-minded yet brilliant professor”. She recalled how Kelleher was excited to get back on campus following Covid. He would often spend time with her and Demers, which led to the two forming a newfound friendship with him during their return.

One of Professor Kelleher’s former students, Makayla Schneider, mentioned that Professor Kelleher’s upbeat attitude was always refreshing during his early morning history class.  Schneider said Professor Kelleher “made learning actually quite fun and inspired [students] to participate via fun activities,” as she recalled games played to prepare students for tests, and the buzz of anticipation it brought to the class.

Kelleher also had an enriching impact on Cecil College graduates like Quentin Tyler Fleetwood, and Evan Thomas Lapointe, among hundreds of others. Fleetwood thanked Professor Kelleher for help in achieving the Donald M. Thomey Outstanding Student Award during his 2019-2020 school year; and Lapointe mentioned how Kelleher helped him develop an appreciation for classical works.

The faculty and staff at Cecil College are raising money in remembrance of Professor Kelleher to start an endowed memorial scholarship. This annually awarded scholarship will celebrate Professor Kelleher’s lasting impact on Cecil College and the wider Cecil community. Undoubtedly, his positive attitude and ability to meaningfully connect with others will be sorely missed at Cecil College and beyond.

Edit to add on 28 Oct, 2025: A scholarship fund has been started to honor the memory of John Kelleher entitled the “John P. Kelleher Memorial Scholarship for Future Historians.” Those who wish to honor the memory of John Kelleher through a donation may do so under the proper selection on this website. www.cecil.edu/donate

Obituary courtesy of Philadelphia Cremation Society: https://obits.cremationsocietyofphiladelphia.com/john-kelleher