Patrick Kelleher
Current Company and Position: Plumbers Local #24: Assistant Business Manager; Hudson County Building & Construction Trades: President; Hudson County Central Labor Council: Delegate.
Family: Patrick Kelleher is a first-generation Irish American whose roots trace back to two distinct parts of Ireland. His father Denis Kelleher came from Mologhroe in Cullen, County Cork, while his mother Catherine Hughes Kelleher was from Killasser in Swinford, County Mayo. Together, their backgrounds reflect the rich traditions of both the south and west of Ireland, blending the heritage of two culturally vibrant regions.
Patrick’s family life today includes his son, Liam Denis Kelleher, who is 21 years old and a senior at The Ohio State University, where he is pursuing a degree in finance.
First Job: My first job was as a maintenance mechanic at the Lipton Tea Research Plant in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
What it taught me: That role served as my gateway into the plumber’s union. While working on the maintenance team, I was first exposed to plumbing work, including tasks like maintaining steam traps, ionized water tanks, and repairing faucets and traps throughout the research facility. The experience instilled a strong work ethic in me—showing up on time, going above and beyond what was asked, and taking pride in learning a skill thoroughly. It ultimately paved the way for my entry into the plumber’s union.
Best advice you could give someone starting out: Always bring a positive attitude and be punctual. You truly get out of an opportunity what you put into it, so invest your best effort from day one.
Who is your hero and why? My father has always been my hero, providing steadfast support throughout my life. He helped me get a job at the Lipton Tea plant, where I first worked alongside union plumbers—an experience that led me to take the plumbers’ exam and join Plumbers Local 14, laying the foundation for my career.
Biography: Patrick Kelleher is currently the Assistant Business Manager at Plumbers Local 24 and serves as the President of the Hudson County Building and Construction Trades. He is also a delegate to the Hudson County Central Labor Council and the Passaic County Building Trades Council. Additionally, Patrick is on the Executive Board of the New Jersey State Building Trades Council. Patrick's career began as a maintenance mechanic at the Lipton Tea research plant in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, where he was first exposed to plumbing work. This experience paved the way for his entry into the Plumbers Union.
Born in the Bronx, New York, Patrick grew up in Fairview, New Jersey. Patrick joined the Plumbers Union Local 14 in 1981 and graduated from its apprentice program in 1985. Since then, he has been a dedicated member of Plumbers Local 24, holding various positions. He served as a Business Agent from 2005 to 2023 and now serves as the Assistant Business Manager. He is also a trustee on the Plumbers’ pension, welfare, annuity, and education funds since 2008.
In addition to his professional roles, Patrick is actively involved in various volunteer activities, including 28 years with Christmas in April/Rebuilding Together, 9 years on the South Civic Association Board of Directors, and 9 years working with Project Impact/Women and Minorities in Construction among others.
