Sad news for my brother and sister Gunner’s Mates. This morning Master Chief Gunner’s Mate “Pappy” Kelleher crossed the bar. The Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News, VA is in charge of the funeral. The viewing will be held 15APR from 18-2000. The funeral will be 16APR at 1100.
GMCS Wilbert and myself will be POCs.

Rest in Peace Master Chief Kelleher. -LTGunner-

Truly a sad day for all Gm's. I never met him but have heard of him often. The 3"/50 and his Bravo's in Taylor hall will be a solemn reminder of a man that dedicated his life to his country. Rest in peace master chief.

I was stationed at Yorktown when "Pappy" was there. The CG has lost a true legend. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Fairwinds and following seas, shipmate.

Wray...

-I would like to request that those planning to attend, please email me soonest at Dan.D.Wilbert@uscg.mil for planning purposes.
Regards,
GMCS Wilbert
GM-School Chief

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News. A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, at Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News. Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The funeral Home is located at 11144 Warwick Blvd in Newport News.

The Graveyard is located at 12750 Warwick Blvd but I have been told "easiest access via back gate located on Nettles Drive".

Any feedback on how things went?

It all went very good Wray.
At the viewing GMCS Wilbert had the watch set over Pappy with one GM instructor and one student with change of the guard every 15 minutes.
At the burial it was a clear sky, somewhat cool with slight wind/gusts. GMs in SDBs for pall bearers, even 2 of us old retired farts including Hal Hoffman. The rest were still active duty. GM "A" Students as rifle squad for gun salute with GMC Wilson in charge. Even TISCOM sent down few folks for the flag folding along with a real honest to goodness bugler (Those guys did a great job too!). As the senior GM on active duty, GMCM Wallace presented the flag to the family. GMCM (Ret) Drew Finley took lots of pics. MCPO Pearson, TCY CPOA Chapter President was in attendance as well. Even had Gunner Lahah from HQ there.
GMCM Wallace and GMCS Wilbert, the GM School Chief, made sure it all happened and they did a super job. Mrs. Kelleher was very greatful and was amazed at the length we went too for Pappy. She said Pappy would have been proud. Pappy was layed to rest with proper honors by those that lived with him, worked with him,learned from him, and befitting a man that served his country well for over 44 years.
Afterwards we cracked open a few cold barley malts in his honor. Am sure he would have approved.

Regards,
Tim Knight, GMCM Ret.

-From the Gun School I report:
It was a true honor to handle such details for Pappy. My hat goes off to my staff and students for HUGE support on this. As the good Master Chief mentioned, we had one rated GM from staff along with one GM-A student stand the watch during the viewing on weds night. ON thurs we once again had the mix of staff and students cover every last detail wilingly and with honor. We closed out the day with a reception at the Chiefs Hut where Master Chief Wallace and I were able to escort family and friends through the Gun School. Please know that they were really taken back at the presence of the 3"50 and display case. Also know that a green wreath placed in honor by the family for the service was moved to and remains at the base of the gun.
Coordination by TISCOM Honor Guard, GM Staff, GM students, active duty and retired GM's family and friends made this something that won't be forgotten.
GM School reports-"Mission Complete"
-Hand Salute-

Dan & Tim,
Thanks for the update... It sounds like "Pappy" went out in style. I am grateful for all the effor you all put into this.

As you may or may not know, I am, or was a BMCM. My only experiences with "pappy" were there in Yorktown. I did see a lot of him while I was there.

Once again, thanks for all your hard work, and the work done by others, on this difficult task.

Wray....