Legend’s
memorabilia
presented to
historical
society
By Ronald P. Coderre
The Putnam Aspinock Historical Society and Town Historian Bill Pearsall welcomed a special guest to the Society location in the Municipal Complex Aug. 2.
Kevin Crowley of Norwich, a friend of the late William “Bill” Kelleher, stopped by the Society and presented numerous memorabilia articles that Kelleher’s high school sweetheart and widow of 72 years Joy Wilde Kelleher desired remain in Putnam in memory and honor of her husband.
William “Bill” Paul Kelleher was born in Killingly to William and Pauline (Trudeau) Kelleher. The family moved to Putnam when Bill was very young. Putnam’s gain was Killingly’s loss as Bill was an outstanding young man, excelling in the classroom as well as on the gridiron and track oval. He was the co-captain with Walter Golec of the 1948 Clipper football team that finished the season with a sterling record of 6-1, under the leadership of coach Jim Greenhalgh who was assisted by Athletic Director George St. Marie.
In addition to being a feared running back, it was on the track that Kelleher was most prominent. During his years as a Putnam High School track standout, Kelleher won Gold Medals in the 100-yard dash in 1948 and the 100 and 220-yard dashes in 1949 at the State Class S meets. He also picked up a silver medal in the All Class Meet 50-yard dash in 1949, where it is believed he was edged by the late great Lindy Remigino, who went on to fame in the 1952 Olympics.
Following his graduation from Putnam High School, Kelleher attended Brown University where he played football and ran track for one year. While at Brown he was part of the relay team that finished second in the Ivy League Relay sponsored by The Washington Evening Star. He then moved on to UConn where he excelled in track for three seasons. He received a master’s degree in education from UConn.
Kelleher then moved on to East Hartford High School, where he taught biology and coached track and field before eventually moving on to a starry coaching career at UConn. During his 22-year career at UConn he led his teams to numerous championships, one undefeated season and developed a number of athletes who earned All-America honors and one who competed in the Olympics. Kelleher was selected as the 1980-1981 New England Interscholastic Athletic Association Coach of the Year.
Most of all Kelleher is remembered as a dedicated educator. He imparted a sense of values that his athletes carried beyond the field of competition into the real world, crafting successful careers in business, education, healthcare and numerous other areas.
After retiring from UConn, Kelleher forged a seven-year second career at Trinity College coaching the track athletes.
“It’s an honor as a close friend of Bill and Joy Kelleher to assist the family in relocating these valuable memorabilia items to Bill’s hometown. The warm reception we received from the historical society assures us that they will be well cared for and Bill’s memory will live on,” said Crowley.
A resident of Coventry, Kelleher remained active in volunteer capacities primarily as a lifelong member of the Lions Club, the local food bank and the Special Olympics, where he was honored in 1985 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Bill Kelleher died Jan. 2, 2023, at the age of 91.
caption: page 5: Kevin Crowley, left, proudly displays Bill Kelleher’s “1949 Putnam High School letter sweater” while Town Historian Bill Pearsall holds the 1948 Putnam High School football from the team’s 6-1 season.
Caption, page 2: Kevin Crowley, left, a close friend of the late Bill Kelleher reviews and explains the many items of Kelleher memorabilia to Putnam Town Historian Bill Pearsall. The memorabilia was donated to the Historical Society by Kelleher’s widow Joy Wilde Kelleher.
..
