HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Diane Kelleher, one of the founders of distributor Kelleher Equipment Co. Inc., died April 24 at age 86.
A Kearny, New Jersey, native, Kelleher and her husband, John, moved to California with their three young daughters after his employer Forenta transferred him to the West Coast. They later welcomed a son. The couple opened Kelleher Equipment Co. Inc. in a small warehouse in Downey, California.
Kelleher took a hands-on role in those early days, including rebuilding presses, while also running the company’s back office and handling all importing of drycleaning machines. As the business grew, Kelleher Equipment became known for its in-house shows where she famously served her homemade meatballs and lasagna to industry visitors.
She was active in industry organizations, including the Greater Los Angeles Drycleaners Association and the Textile Care Allied Trades Association (TCATA). She also volunteered with Steel Magnolias, benefiting children with developmental delays. She became a mainstay at Our Lady of Refuge School (her son’s alma mater) and St. Bonaventure School (where her daughter rose to become principal).
She promised to retire from Kelleher Equipment when daughter Kelly — now of Kelleher/Casares Equipment LLC — welcomed a child, and she followed through in 1995 when grandson John Robert was born.
Surviving Kelleher are her children, Deborah (Joe), Kelly (Robert), Kim (Jeff) and John (Kelly); along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon Pacific on Saturday, May 16, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Huntington Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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