The New Bronx Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors are mourning the death of longtime chairman, Joseph P. Kelleher, and have shared details of his funeral arrangements, which are attached further below. The Board of Directors announced Kelleher’s passing on Friday, Nov. 25, writing in part, “It is with profound sadness that the Board of Directors and leadership team of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce announce the death of our Chairman, Joseph Kelleher.”

 

They said, “Chairman Kelleher was a loving husband and father, friend and mentor to many, businessman and fierce advocate for The Bronx and New York State. He has left a lasting impact on our borough and State, and is an example of true leadership for us all.” They added, “Please join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and communities throughout New York State in prayer for Joe and his family. For further information, contact mbrady@bronxchamber.org.”

On Sept. 30, this year, BronxNet broadcast a special tribute to Kelleher which can be watched further below via YouTube. The accompanying text to the tribute read, “Joseph P. Kelleher is an experienced business executive with an extensive background in real estate development and philanthropy. He was appointed president and chief operating officer of Hutch Management LLC in 2009. Kelleher previously served as the Executive Director of leasing and property management for the 42-acre Hutchinson Metro Center in the Bronx, a highly successful mixed-use complex that features 1.4 million square feet of Class A office, medical, retail and educational space.”

 

It continued, “Kelleher first began his real estate career in the real estate division of NYNEX as a property manager for the Corporate Headquarters Building in new York City. Subsequently, he served as director of property management for Catalano Kornblum Management Corp. and Winoker Realty Corp., as well as Chief Executive Officer for Casino New York LLC. Joseph Kelleher also served as president of the Bronx Council of the Boy Scouts, and on the executive board of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, as president, treasurer and vice president. Since 2008, he has served as Chairman of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, as well on the board of the Bronx Chamber’s Foundation.”

 

Kelleher hosted “The Bronx Now” produced by BronxNet, with support from Westchester Square BID and Hutchinson Metro Center.showcasing the rich culture, innovative technology, economic resources and other unique qualities that make the Bronx a great place to do business. The program features business owners and shines a light on Bronx neighborhoods and institutions. On Bronx Now, Joe invited us inside some local businesses to learn about the past and future from some of the borough’s prominent historians and residents.”

 

JOSEPH P. KELLEHER TRIBUTE by BronxNet, September 2022. Video courtesy of BronxNet via Youtube

John Doyle, associate director in the Department of Marketing, Public and Community Relations at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi and NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx, said of Kelleher’s passing, “Saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Kelleher. As chair of the @thenewbxcc, he was renowned for his kindness, generosity, and commitment to our borough. May his lifetime of service to our community serve as an inspiration and a blessing to us all.”

 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson later wrote of Kelleher’s passing, “Over the weekend we lost Jospeh Kelleher, chairman and president of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and chief operating officer of Hutch Management LLC.” She added, “Joseph Kelleher provided a strong level of compassion, hope and love to many in our Borough. He was a true champion for our small business community, and we were truly fortunate to have had him in our lives. Please join me in prayers of strength and healing for his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson on the passing of Joseph Kelleher pic.twitter.com/DFlrBijSpv

— Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson (@bronxbp) November 30, 2022

Kelleher died just days before the annual Small Business Saturday, where local small businesses are celebrated throughout the country, an annual event no doubt close to his heart. In the BronxNet tribute, he is seen visiting and promoting the work of local, Bronx small businesses.

 

Gibson wrote of the annual event, “Today is #SmallBusinessSaturday and we encourage everyone to Shop Local and make a Big Impact by shopping at our local businesses. Thanks to our entrepreneurs, business owners and merchants who are the foundation of our Borough and City. #ShopLocal #BigImpact #Bronx.”