BANGOR - John "Chris" C. Kelleher Jr. died unexpectedly Oct. 22, 2011, at his home. He was born March 9, 1951, in Bangor, son of John "Babe" Christopher Kelleher Sr. and Vera Black Kelleher. Chris loved family gatherings, as he was always the life of the party. He had a unique signature laugh that made those around him instantly feel happy and warm. He spent many wonderful fun summers boating and swimming with his family at camp on Chemo Pond, Eddington. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. It wasn't uncommon to see Chris helping out his neighbors, family and friends. He had a heart of gold. He will always be loved and remembered for his kind and generous nature. He was a loving husband and Dad. He was fondly known as "Papa" by all of his grandchildren. Chris graduated from Bangor High School in 1972. Before graduating high school, Chris enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1969, attaining the rank of corporal while serving in the Vietnam War. He received an honorable discharge in 1971. He enlisted in the Maine Army National Guard in 1984, receiving an honorable discharge in 1992. He was employed by Maine Central Railroad as a conductor from 1978 to 1992. He truly loved working for the railroad and enjoyed sharing stories of the times he worked there. He was then employed and worked as a saw filer for U.S. Blades for the past 20 years. He was a lifelong member of Saint Paul the Apostle Parish, Saint Mary's Catholic Church. Chris had a strong spiritual religious faith. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his grandson, Austin; and nephew, Gabriel. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Linda Wood Kelleher of Bangor; his beloved children, Jennifer L. Kelleher of Bangor, Ty M. Kelleher and wife, Heidi, of Orrington, John Christopher Kelleher III and his wife, Sheri, of Brewer, and Hannah Kelleher Simpson and her husband, Erich, of Orrington; 12 special grandchildren, Jackson, Shanley, Kayla, Amethyst, Trevin, Aidan, Dominik, Kaitlynne, Leah, Kalika, Arianna and Gavin; father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Donna Wood of Bradley; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Peggy Wood of Bangor; and niece, Rachael Wood Boyington and her husband, Mike and their children, Kaleb, Emily and Lexi, of Glenburn. Funeral services will be private. Those who wish to remember Chris in a special way may make donations in his memory in support of the family at 158 Warren St., Bangor, ME 04401.