Timothy J. Callahan-Of North Reading and Osterville, formerly of Reading, passed away peacefully July 7, 2017 on Cape Cod, at age 96, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of 57 years to Genevieve E. (Lonczak) Callahan; loving father of Timothy Callahan Jr. and his wife Marie; devoted grandfather of Julia, Timothy III, and William. He was the brother of the late Dr. Thomas Callahan, Fr. Francis Callahan, S.J., Joseph Callahan, Helen Callahan, and Catherine Stephens.
Born in Providence, RI in 1920, he was the son of Timothy E. Callahan of County Cork, Ireland, and Katherine A. Walsh of Boston. Tim was a proud “double Eagle”, a 1938 graduate of Boston College High School and a 1942 graduate of Boston College.
The conflict in Europe soon beckoned, and Tim became a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Air Force during World War II, serving in the Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland campaigns from 1943 – 1945 as a pilot of the B-26 Marauder, a medium tactical bomber. In total he flew 65 combat missions in the European Theater of WWII, surpassing the usual quota of 25 missions. His many military decorations include the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Purple Heart with 10 oak leaf clusters. At the conclusion of the war Tim was a First Officer with American Airlines for four years, and in 1949 he rejoined the US Air Force until his retirement in 1968.
After the military he embarked on a second career, serving for 34 years as the Director of Veteran’s Services for the town of North Reading, a position from which he retired at age 89. A passionate advocate for veterans and a staunch supporter of veteran’s issues, he served the town and its veterans with pride.
Possessor of a natural curiosity, he was passionate about subjects he enjoyed, including science, astronomy, aviation, history, the stock market, and jazz music. He was a voracious reader and an avid follower of world events. But his main interest was always his family. He loved to spend time with his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren, regaling them with stories and playing games. He enjoyed travelling to every corner of his native New England, especially his beloved Cape Cod. Many of these loves he passed on to his only son.
Calling hours will be at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading on Thursday, July 13, from 4-8 PM.
His Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM, St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Stoneham.
Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the North Reading Veteran’s Gift Account, a charity benefiting local veterans, care of the Department of Veteran’s Services, 235 North Street, North Reading MA 01864.
www.croswellfuneralhome.com
Dear Jean, Tim & Marie, My deepest sympathy. I am so happy I had the privilege of knowing your wonderful father and calling him family. So kind and full of life he was a joy to be around and a true man of inspiration. May God’s love envelope you and bring you peace.
Lovingly, Andrea, David & family
Dear Timothy, Julia and William,
We were very sorry to hear about your Poppy. We know how much you loved him! Keep playing in his favorite places, and laughing loud like he did, you all made Poppy so happy.
We love you,
John, Paul & Joseph
I will never forget his engaging smile and wit. He helped me when I sorely needed it, and I am forever grateful. He was a friend and an Air Force brother (different generation). Rest easy, Sir, your mission here is complete. May God bless you and keep you in His Loving Arms forever. Amen
Pastor Don
A wonderful man and boss. I will never forget you. To his loving family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Dear Aunt Jean, Tim & Marie,
We remember Uncle Tim as being affable, thoughtful, and supportive. We feel blest to have known him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you.
Love,
Jim & Terry
Dear Tim:
Sorry to read about the recent death of your Dad. Although we were neighbors – I am sure you remember Lynne and Glenn – he also was one of my favorite people at Town Hall. I always checked his office for a brief chat and an update on you. As a ’62 graduate of Boston College we had that in common. I remember when he told me he was going to reluctantly resign as class correspondent. (I always read his column in the Alumni News.) Your Dad was such a good role model for the young men of your generation. He reminded me of Tom Brokaw’s book “The Greatest Generatrion.” I will remember him and you and your family in my prayers.
Mary-Frances Sawyer
Harwich, MA