John D. Jack Callahan, Sr.
October 21, 1935 ~ December 25, 2015
SCARBOROUGH John D. Jack Callahan, Sr., 80, died Friday, December 25, 2015 at Maine Veterans Home, Scarborough after a long courageous battle with cancer. Born in Medford, MA, Jack was the son of the late Edward and Frances (Molloy) Callahan. He graduated from St. Clements High School in Medford, Class of 1953. Jack honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He later attained his degree from Tufts University, graduating in 1961. Jack then began his 33 year career with Sears, retiring in 1994 as a Store Manager. In semi-retirement, Jack worked at MBI Trailers for nearly 20 years with his friend, Sam Kelley. In addition, he was actively involved in several other organizations. Jack was a Past Commodore at Centerboard Yacht Club of South Portland and an active board member and treasurer with Project G.R.A.C.E. Above all else, Jack adored his family. He was happiest when he was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was always active throughout his childrens lives, coaching little league for over 10 years and teaching his children to treat everyone with respect and decency. He was an avid fan of Boston sports and enjoyed traveling. He will be deeply missed. In addition to his parents, Jack is predeceased by his brothers, Ed, Bud and Frank. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Janet (McCarthy) Callahan of Scarborough; children, Susan Thurlow and husband John of Scarborough, John Jack Callahan, Jr. and wife Tawna of Wolfeboro, NH, Mark Callahan and wife Cheryl of Scarborough, Ken Callahan and wife Lisa Mantil of New York, NY, and Karen Murphy and husband D.J. of Windham, NH. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren, Taylor, John III Jackson, Meghan, Heather, Abby, Elizabeth, Alex, Caleb, Joe, Ben, Andrew, Chase, Jack, Sydney and Kate. Visiting Hours will be held on Tuesday from 4-7PM at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home on Wednesday at 9:15AM followed by a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 150 Black Point Rd., Scarborough. A graveside service will take place in the spring at Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery, Springvale. To view Jacks memorial page or to share anonline condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Project G.R.A.C.E., P.O. Box 6846, Scarborough, ME 04070-6846
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We Kelleys had the great privilege to be Jack’s neighbors for years. He and Janet raised (5) wonderful children who were great teachers of my kids. I coached with Jack in LL for years, we worked together for some 20 years, went to Ireland together, went to many games over the years. And for years at work, we daily solved the world problems over coffee and lunch-if only the world had listened. He was a great friend-who I /we will sorely miss. I can vision him in Heaven today surrounded by all his family and friends who went before. Love you Jack ! Sam
– Sam Kelley
Jack will be greatly missed as a neighbor, a kind friend and a critical-thinker that contributed greatly to many discussions at the Scarborough “Let’s Talk America” group. Our thoughts are with everyone that knew and loved Jack.
– Stan and Joan Lourie
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of our Dads coaching / cheering for us, on and off the fields.
– Art Dillon
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, Mark, Karen, Ken and your Mom. Of course, I remember your dad the most as a spectator for all SHS games played…a true fan of his children. Peace to all, Diane
– Diane “Brown” Gallant
To the Callahan Family – I have such fond memories from 30+ years ago of Mr Callahan. He was a remarkable and kind man. My thoughts are with you during this sad time.
– Elaine Toher Hobbs
Sorry to hear of your loss. I remember the Boston Celtic games with your Dad requiring green attire to enter the room.
– Velinda Brown
Janet and family,I am so sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. I got to know Jack during all the Pine Point issues over the years and he was always the voice of reason – so calm but assertive. Elaine
– Elaine Richer
My sincerest condolences to the family
– Rich J
We’re so very sorry for your loss. My first job after high school was at Sears. He was a kind man.
– Tamara Murray
I was sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. My condolences to you all.
– Terrie Martin Casavant
I am so sorry for your loss Mark. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
– Michelle Gelinas Hill
I didn’t know John but I just wanted to express my condolences to you and your family. Thank you for his service.
– susan fyler
Sam let us know about Jack’s passing. We are so very sorry for your loss.
– The Goudey’s
We are filled with sadness to hear that Jack has died. He was one of Paul’s very good friends. I’m sure he will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out in love to all his family, espically to you Janet. Love, Allison
– Allison and Patrick Garrity
Janet,So sorry for your loss. Rubye admired Jack so much. She always said Jack was the best boss she ever had.Pat Grady
– Pat Grady
Hoping your family will sink into the comfort of the joy of recounting the amazing and endless memories of such a wonderful family man.
– Kelley
I am so sorry for your loss. Much love to your family.
– Heather (Nelsen) Sobieralski
To Mark and all of the Callahan Family,I am sorry to hear of your father’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad and difficult time. May you find comfort in all the wonderful memories that you have of him.
– Dawn Lapierre
Jack & Mark,Sorry to hear of the loss of your dad.
– Bert Bronn
I am so sorry to hear about Jack’s passing. I almost wrote “Mr. Callahan” because growing up in Pleasant Hill I was the kid getting chased by the Dogs, drinking iced tea while playing virtually any sport, and getting attacked by the garage door! Indeed Callahan family you embraced me as “OD” and I will always consider you as part of mine. Although decades have passed, a huge part of me, if not all, is your entire family. Love and thoughts from the West Coast now and always.
– Mark O’Donnell
I have fond memories of my connections with the Callahan family at SHS. My condolences to all of you at this time.
– Larry Jensen
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your family was a huge part of my childhood growing up in Pleasant Hill. Anytime I was over playing sports (baseball, basketball, street hockey, etc.) and hanging around the house, your Dad (and Mom) were always friendly and made me feel welcomed. I always felt comfortable in your home. My stepfather, Bill (Parks), respected your dad as a fellow manager at Sears and was most likely influenced on how to follow kids so heavily into sports. I know they sometimes worked late hours at the store, but always made their best effort to get to games. My condolences to the whole Callahan family, Mark & Kim VZ
– Mark Van Zandt
Jack was a wonderful friend and former co-worker. He was the best! I will miss him. A fighter to the end. Rest in Peace Jack.et
– Evelyn Tarbell
To Janet and all the family we send our love. Jack was a kind and wise mentor, keeping us looking forward with optimism. And always gently guiding us to open our hearts to those in the community who needed a helping hand. We are blessed to have counted Jack among our staunchest friends.
– Steffi Cox (Project GRACE)
Karen,I received word just hours ago from Kerri about this deeply sad news. I know so well from so many talks we had about your Dad,.. what an absolute hero he is to you. I can still hear your Dads unique deep voice that always had a little lighthearted poking-fun-at-you way about it. You and he epitomized what others know as “Daddy’s Little Girl”. I will always remember your dad for the deep, meaningful way you spoke about his integrity and grit. Even when we were just teenagers, this piece of your dad was the piece you so outspokenly honored most – his devotion and integrity. His playfulness we spoke of, but it was always his devotion and integrity that lit up your eyes when you spoke of him. What an amazing role model for you, your brothers and sister, and what an amazing partner in life for your mom. Your children had the chance to experience his greatness for far too short a time- but I bet they too have that sense of his devotion that filled you up all these years. I love you and I am deeply sorry to learn of his passing. I am trying to find out a way to get there tomorrow to honor him with you and your family. You have touched my life deeply – your father raised an amazing woman, one with deep devotion and integrity and strength like his own. Hugs and love and light and prayers for you all. Rest in peace, Jack. God bless you all in this impossibly difficult time.
– Kelley Chase Daron