Remembering Rory Kelleher: A Life of Faith and Service to Catholic Guardian Services in New York City
August 20, 2026
It is with profound sadness that Catholic Guardian Services mourns the passing of Rory Kelleher, a beloved friend, former Board Chair and Director Emeritus, who passed away on August 19, 2026. Rory devoted 15 years to our Board of Directors, including a decade as Chair from 2008 to 2018. His leadership helped guide Catholic Guardian Services and strengthen its mission of serving children, families and individuals throughout New York City.
A Lasting Legacy at Catholic Guardian Services
Throughout his years of service, Rory brought wisdom, integrity, faith and deep compassion to Catholic Guardian Services. He was a trusted leader whose commitment extended well beyond his formal Board responsibilities and whose friendship and counsel touched so many across our organization.
In 2018, Rory and his wife, Camille, received Catholic Guardian Services’ Child of Peace Award, recognizing their extraordinary commitment to our mission and the people we serve. In 2015, Rory also received the John J. Phelan, Jr. Meritorious Trustee Award from Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York for his distinguished service.
“Rory was far more than a distinguished Board leader. He was a trusted friend and colleague, a wise counselor, and a deeply compassionate person whose commitment to Catholic Guardian Services never wavered,” said Craig Longley, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Guardian Services. “We are heartbroken by his loss and profoundly grateful for the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind.”
Rory’s dedication reflected his belief in the dignity of every person and the importance of standing alongside those in need. His legacy lives on in Catholic Guardian’s continued work to provide help, create hope and preserve dignity through services such as foster care in New York City, adoption, mental health care and family support.
A Lifetime of Faith and Service
Rory’s commitment to helping others reached far beyond Catholic Guardian Services. A distinguished attorney and devoted Catholic, he dedicated much of his life to serving his faith and the broader New York community.
A longtime member of the Order of Malta, American Association, Rory was elected Secretary General in 2024. He and Camille also served together as Co-Chairs of the Order’s New York City Area, helping strengthen its community of members and expand its charitable and spiritual activities.
His service through the Order included volunteering with residents at Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center, participating in pilgrimages to Lourdes and supporting the Order’s mission of caring for people who are sick, vulnerable or in need.
Rory also served as a trustee of ArchCare and was deeply involved in the Catholic community throughout New York. His decades of service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, including as its Chief Honorary Usher, reflected the same steadfast devotion that defined his leadership at Catholic Guardian Services.
With Gratitude and Love
While Rory’s many accomplishments and honors speak to a remarkable lifetime of service, those who knew him will remember the person behind them: a devoted husband, father and grandfather; a generous friend; and a man whose faith inspired him to care deeply for others.
We extend our heartfelt love, condolences and prayers to Camille, their children and grandchildren, and the entire Kelleher family. We are profoundly grateful for Rory’s friendship, leadership and the countless ways he helped strengthen Catholic Guardian Services.
His legacy of faith, compassion and service will remain part of our mission for generations to come.
May Rory rest in eternal peace.
About Catholic Guardian Services
Catholic Guardian Services is a nonprofit social service agency serving children and families across the five boroughs of New York City. The agency provides foster care and adoption services, children's mental health care, family support programs, and services for people with developmental disabilities, and serves all who need help regardless of faith, race, or background. Sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, its roots reach back to 1887, and its legal incorporation dates to 1913. Catholic Guardian Services is headquartered at 488 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022. Phone: (212) 371-1000. Donate or learn more at catholicguardian.org.