Richard W. Kelleman
April 9, 1927 ~ December 3, 2022
Born in:
Rotterdam, New York
Resided in:
Snellville, Georgia
Richard W Kelleman (“Dick”), loving partner and father, peacefully passed away on Saturday, December 3 at the age of 95 after a short illness.
Born to Joseph and Anna Dobsa Kelleman in Rotterdam, NY, Dick graduated from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering and went on to work at General Electric’s Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL) in Schenectady NY, where he spent a majority of his career. For 25 years, he was a manager of Quality Control for KAPL’s Navy Nuclear program; his staunch attention to detail and safety earned him the reputation of “The Father of Quality Control,” holding the highest standards for naval propulsion plants and reactor cores to ensure the safety of men and women in our armed services.
Quality Control was in his blood, and after retirement at age 62 he continued to work as a QC auditor for nuclear programs and other suppliers around the country until his passing.
Dick is a veteran of World War II, having served as a sailor in the United States Navy.
Dick was known for his humor and big laugh, passion for life and travel- and generous spirit. He is survived by his wife N Wallace (“Wally”) Kelleman; his children from his former marriage Richard Kelleman II and Lynn (Peter) Henstenberg; and two stepchildren Lilly Yamamoto and Chris Yamamoto.
A memorial service with a celebration of life to follow is planned for April 15, 2023 in Snellville, Georgia. As an alternative to flowers, please consider contributions in Richard’s name to the St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Snellville, GA or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
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And Dick loved. And was very loved by his children and Wally. Dicks love will continue to flow, through his children, through Wally and all the people who touched him along his journey of life. It’s not goodbye. It’s “see you soon, Dick.”
I’ll miss talking to Dick at the breakfasts at church
Shakeyta From Emory
I read somewhere, clearly, we grieve the person we lost. What many don’t understand is that is only part of it. We grieve what we had and all we shared. We grieve all the important things they have missed and will miss. We grieve the future we were supposed to have together. This list goes on. Grief is complicated. Prayers for all. May Dick rest in peace.
Wally
I hold you in my heart and mind as you go through this transition. Dick was a wonderful man. He is missed.
With love,
Peggy
I have many fond memories of you and Dick. I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Much love to you,
Jerrye & Dan Lail
My husband and I send our deepest condolences on the loss of Mr. Kelleman. We met him through Mrs. Kelleman and he was so nice and thoughtful to us. We are keeping Wally and the Kelleman family in our steadfast prayers.
I loved getting hugs from Dick at church. I am so sorry that he isn’t with you anymore. I know that our memory of him and you is very strong and the love that you shared was inspirational to Evan and I.
Sending you love and prayers. Pam and Evan
Dear Wally,
Dick and you, Wally, were very special to me and Cynthia. I shall miss sharing the good times we all had together and sharing usually the same pew together at St. Matthews Church. Dick was a wonderful man and accomplished so much in his time on earth. He will be truly missed by one and all. Now Dick is at peace and is with our Lord.
Wally: We have many fond memories of our times together, particularly St. Matt’s foyers a few years back when we found such joy and laughter gathering together and sharing. Dick’s laughter still rings in our hearts!
Our deepest condolences.