Charles Edward Callahan

SCARBOROUGH - Charles Edward Callahan, 85, died Monday, Nov. 26, 2012 in Cape Elizabeth. He was born in Manchester, CT on Nov. 11, 1927, the son of James J. Callahan and Margaret Elizabeth (Garvey) Callahan. Charles, or Charlie as he was known, grew up with his parents and brother Jim on a farm in South Windsor, CT. Charlie graduated from Ellsworth Memorial High School in South Windsor, CT in 1945. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and was in naval aviation flight school when World War II came to an end. With the Navy no longer needing so many members, he left active duty and used the G.I. Bill to attend Duke University, where he went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Class of 1950. Charlie was called back to active duty during the Korean War, and was serving on a Destroyer out of Newport, RI, where he met his future wife Janet, who was also in the Navy (and who out ranked him!). Charlie and Janet were married on May 5, 1956, and began adding to their family the following year with the first of their seven children. Charlie and Janet started out in Waltham, MA, spent the majority of their years in Framingham, MA, and lived in Honolulu for 4 years at the end of his career before retiring to Maine. Charlie's work in electrical engineering and the beginnings of satellite technology and communications led to trips all over the world for a series of companies including Sylvania, Raytheon, and the Mitre Corporation. He was also a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve for 24 years. Charlie and Janet bought a house at Higgins Beach in 1977, and spent many happy years entertaining family and friends. He was an active member of the Scarborough community, serving on the town planning board as well as on the Higgins Beach Association and Portland Visitors Bureau. He was active as a faithful member St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Scarborough. He enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, watching Duke Basketball and participating in Duke alumni activities, and attending the Navy Wardroom Club meetings in Boston. Charlie was recently feted by family and friends at his 85th birthday at a big party in Scarborough, ME. He led a wonderful life, and touched everyone who knew him. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Janet (Stewart) Callahan in 2006, brother James Callahan in 1991, and daughter Linda Rolke in 1995. He is survived by daughters Nancy C. Callahan and husband Davy-Douglas Eddy of South Portland, ME, Mary Clark and husband Barry of Tewksbury, MA, and Martha Drew and husband Ronald of Lithia, FL; and sons Douglas Callahan of Boston, MA, Paul Callahan and wife Judy of Framingham, MA, and Charles A. Callahan and his significant other Suzahne Riendeau of Summerville, MA, as well as six grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held from 4-7 pm on Thursday, Nov. 29, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at 9:15 am, on Friday, Nov. 30, at the chapel, followed by a 10 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Scarborough, ME. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland, ME. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen, 307 Congress Street, Portland, ME, 04101 (207-772-1113), where Charlie volunteered for many years, or the charity of your choice.Online condolences may be expressed below.