TROY — Neil W. Kelleher, 85, a former mayor of Troy and city council member who also served in the state Assembly, died this morning after a brief illness at St. Mary's Hospital.

Kelleher, a Republican, entered politics in 1954, when he was appointed 17th Ward alderman in Troy. It was the start of a long political career.

After serving one term as alderman, he pulled an upset in the 1960 mayoral contest against Democrat John Purcell. Kelleher served one term as mayor and was elected as 100th District assemblyman in 1965.

As an assemblyman, Kelleher served as chairman of its Republican Conference.

"Neil earned his reputation as a go-to guy one phone call at a time. People throughout Troy and Rensselaer County knew that if they needed help, they could always turn to Neil Kelleher," said county Legislator Jim Brearton.

Kelleher decided not to seek re-election to the Assembly in 1992, after 13 terms. He continued his public service, however, as a member of the Troy Housing Authority board and as a commissioner with the state Board of Elections.

Kelleher was born and raised in North Troy and attended St. Augustine's and Lansingburgh schools. He joined his father and two brothers to harmonize as a barbershop quartet for local talent contests, Vaudeville productions and major radio shows. The group had a screen test with 20th Century Fox, but the movie deal was cancelled when one of the sons had a change of voice.

Shortly after Pearl Harbor, Kelleher joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific during World War II. Following the war, he worked at Cartwright Ford in Lansingburgh.

He is survived by three grown children, Timothy, Tracey and Neil Jr. - chairman of the Rensselaer County Legislature - and six grandchildren.

A wake will be held at the Sanvidge Funeral Home at 115th Street and Fourth Ave. in Lansingburgh from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday from St. Augustine's Church in Lansingburgh.