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Born in Stamford on April 30, 1927, to Patrick and Mary Harrington Callahan, he was educated at St John’s School and Stamford High School. He was a Stamford resident until moving to Newtown with his wife, Doris, in 2006.
Callahan was a 1945 graduate of Stamford High School, where he was a standout catcher for the baseball team. He took great pride that his senior year team posted a 19-0 record, the only undefeated season for the school.
After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon returning home, Callahan joined the Stamford Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of deputy fire chief. After 42 years of service to the City of Stamford, he retired in 1992.
Callahan married Doris Ann Sandow on April 14, 1951, with whom he spent 60 happy years until her death in 2011. Together, they devoted themselves to raising and educating their six children in Stamford.
Callahan's family meant everything to him. Nothing gave him more pleasure than watching his three sons compete in high school football, hockey and baseball. He was also an avid fisherman, enjoying many outings on Long Island Sound blue fishing with family and friends. He also loved West Point tailgating and following his favorite teams, the New York Yankees and Giants.
He is survived by five of his six children, Barbara (Barry) Lee of San Anselmo, Calif., Beth Callahan of Slingerlands, N.Y., Timothy (Laura) Callahan of Wilton, Terence (Kelly) Callahan of Franklin, Mass., and Robert (Carrie) Callahan of Scarborough, Maine, as well as his son-in-law, David Cooper of Newtown; and 18 grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased in 2014 by his daughter, Robin; his brothers, John, Neil and Eugene; and his sister, Margaret.
Calling hours will be Sunday, Oct. 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St., Stamford.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church, 1184 Newfield Ave., Stamford. Burial will immediately follow at St John’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Americares, 88 Hamilton Ave., Stamford, CT 06902. To send the family online condolences, visit, www.leopgallagherstamford.com.
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