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Philip Callahan Obituary
He was born in Worcester, son of Charles M. and Claire (Johnston) Callahan. Philip was a 1961 graduate of Classical High School in Worcester, earned his Bachelor's Degree at Boston University and was a graduate of New England Institute. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves for six years, attaining the rank of Sergeant.
Philip joined the family business of Callahan Brothers Funeral Home in 1966 and became president in 1983.
Philip was a sports and fitness enthusiast. He completed three triathlons while in his 40's and ran the Falmouth Road Race 15 times. He joined the Worcester Rugby Club in 1980, was a current member and proudly served as president. He played his last rugby game at Saranac Lake in August 2007 in the over-50 tournament. Philip was a former lifeguard and an accomplished swimmer. In July, in celebration of his 65th birthday, he swam a mile in Little Squam Lake in New Hampshire.
Philip was a great organizer and was current member and proud past president of both the Greater Worcester Rotary Club and the Bohemian Club of Worcester. Philip was also a founder of the Worcester Crisis Center. He served on the board of YOU Inc. for many years and was a current board member of the Better Ending Partnership of Central Mass.
In 2005, he merged his business into Fay Brother's Funeral Home.
Philip was a true Renaissance man with an adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit. His endeavors included starting a restaurant at the Barre Hiller Airport with Edward Madaus and Kevin Lyons and forming Classic Renovations in 1970 with William S. Bird and Charles Pedersen. Philip was an accomplished woodworker and an automobile and motorcycle enthusiast. He was a great storyteller known for his sense of humor. Philip was an avid outdoorsman, raised orchids and recently became a beekeeper.
He leaves his wife, Deborah (Lambert) Sharpe Callahan; his daughter, Karen Sharpe and her husband Paul Della Valle of Sterling and grandchildren: Rory and Devin Hart of West Boylston; his son, Christopher and his wife Allison (Goff) Sharpe and grandchildren: Parker and Ava of Nashua.
He also leaves four brothers: Charles, Stephen, Richard and John Callahan; two sisters: Christina Callahan and Marcia Slatkin; nieces, nephews and cousins. Visiting hours will be 2 to 4 p.m. and 6:30 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 14 at the Callahan & Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. Funeral services will held at the funeral home at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 15. Interment will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester.
Flowers should be omitted. Donations made in Philip's memory may be sent to the Mike Minty Scholarship Fund for the benefit of children of Worcester Rugby Players, c/o Greater Worcester Community Foundation, 370 Main St., Suite 650, Worcester, MA 01608 or the Pancreatic Alliance, c/o UMass Memorial Foundation/Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, One Biotech, 365 Plantation St., Suite 100, Worcester, MA 01605-2395.
For directions and online guest book please visit
www.callahanfay.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Callahan
Artha Freebury
September 1, 2008
Dear Deborah and Callahan Family,
I was notified of Philip's death by a mutual friend, Ruth McDermott. I have not seen Philip in probably 30 years but remember many good times and great laughs. It sounds as if he had an active, interesting life doing the things he liked to do best. I remember that family meant the world to him and am so happy he found a wife and family to share life's joys and sorrows. My very best to you as you remember all the wonderful days you shared.
August 17, 2008
Please accept my condolences. I didn't know Phil, but I know Marcia and John. God bless.
gail from home depot to steve
August 15, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived
okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here
is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you
every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up
and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were
gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for
me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's
chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life
on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not
be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But
one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a
time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will
give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day
was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the
way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick
him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in
your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember
you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Philip Leavitt
August 14, 2008
The Callahan Family,
My deepest sympathy to the entire family for your loss. Phil and I enjoyed our times together while boating around Stiles Lake in Spencer. He will be missed. To everone, my sincerest condolences.
Roy Evarts
August 14, 2008
To all of the Callahans,
There are simply no words to express what I feel and the loss you have suffered. My heartfelt condolences go out to you.
Phil certainly was most helpful to my family in those times when we needed his professional assistance.
Phil and I shared many a good time in the 70's and 80's . Our common love of all things with gas engines bonded us forever. When we wouldn't see each other for a long time I would call him and it would be as if we had just seen each other yesterday. He will be sorely missed.
Sincerely,
Roy K. Evarts, Northboro
Colleen Mullaney
August 14, 2008
Dear Callahan/Sharpe Family,
I was so sorry to hear that Phil had passed away. We just saw him a month ago at the Irish Festival where he was enjoying Irish music and time with his family and rugby friends. I have known Phil since I started with the women's rugby team (Shamrocks) in the early 90s. I always thought of him as a kind person who was very enjoyable to talk to. A real gentleman. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. All the best and be well.
Sincerely,
Colleen
Mashpee Neck Marina
August 14, 2008
The entire staff sends their condolences.
"Death is not the end, it is only a bridge to another place".
For the Staff,
Nelson Brace, GM
Vince DelMonte
August 13, 2008
To the Callahan Family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember Phil as young and full of energy. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Peter Murphy
August 13, 2008
We would like to send our condolences out to the family. I knew Phil and family from growing up on Stiles Lake. We shared many good times. I just had a long talk with him in July up at the race track in NH. He will be missed.
Pamela Danforth
August 13, 2008
Dear Karen and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I may not have seen you in years, but you will always be in my thoughts. My sincere regards to the whole family.
Pam DiCicco
The Dupuis Family
August 13, 2008
Dear Callahan Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing Mr. Callahan riding up and down the street on his motorcycle! If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate. Thinking of you.
Nancy Cashman
August 13, 2008
To The Callahans...
sometimes when one person is missing, the whole world seems depopulated..
With Love,
Shaun and Nancy Cashman
Janet Plotkin Gordon
August 13, 2008
Dear Deborah,
I am so sorry to read about Phil's death. We were Classical mates together and worked on the reunions.I'm sure we have met at one of the reunions.My deepest sympathy to you and the family.
Stephen DeVincent
August 13, 2008
I would like to express my condolences...I knew Phil briefly in the 1970's when he was a member of the board of trustees for a non profit group home in Worcester. I remember his being very involved and as being a very caring individual.
Fawn Iannitelli
August 13, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss, words cannot describe. Phil carried me through two of the hardest times of my life along with his loving wife Debbie and I will always remember him. Phil will be missed by all who knew him and the way he touched everyone's life. My prayers are with all of you through this difficult time. Sincerely, Fawn Iannitelli
Meg Manning Noyes
August 13, 2008
Philip was there for many important times for the Mannings. My prayers and thoughts are with the family in their grief.
Paul K Sullivan
August 13, 2008
My sincere regards to the Callahan family. Phil, while keeping his professional persona, always lent his helping hand during our times of sorrow and my family will miss him.
Paul Sullivan and family
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