Robert O'Callahan

Robert O'Callahan

Robert Emmett O'Callahan of Marysville died peacefully in his sleep Monday, April 25, with family by his side.
He was born January 10, 1920, to Edward and Florence O'Callahan, the fourth of their six children. He grew up in Chicago, attended parochial schools and enjoyed sports, especially golf. He filled shelves with the trophies he won in tournaments.
In 1949, Bob married Mary Gaughan, also of Chicago. They had seven children: Robert, Patrick, Kathleen (Bonney), Thomas, Dennis, Deirdre (Thomason) and Denise (Hall). Bob was devoted to his children and grandchildren; he enjoyed family trips, coaching and cheering from the sidelines.
He was preceded in death by Mary; his son, Robert; and a granddaughter, Bryn.
Survivors include his brother, William; sister, Patricia Buckley; Robert's widow, Anne; 16 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Bob joined the U.S. Army Air Corps at the outset of World War II. During the war, he controlled military air traffic at bases in Europe, often helping pilots land under emergency conditions.
He came home to graduate from Loyola University in Chicago; he subsequently worked as a civilian air traffic controller and civil defense communications specialist.
He served for years as the federal regional warning and communication officer for the Pacific Northwest, a capacity in which he developed 911 dispatch systems and disaster warning plans.
After retirement in 1979, Bob tutored schoolchildren, was appointed by Gov. Booth Gardner to the Washington State Council on Aging, and also served with the Snohomish Council on Aging. He chaired the North Snohomish County Democrats, was active in his parish, and belonged to the Society of Airway Pioneers, the Knights of Columbus and the Irish Heritage Club.
A celebration of his life will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marysville at 9 a.m., Friday, May 27, 2011.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to St. Mary's at 4200 88th St. N.E., Marysville, WA, 98270.