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Sean O'Callaghan Obituary
November 30, 1935 - September 20, 2019
Resident of San Jose
Thomas "Sean" O'Callaghan passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 20, 2019 in San Jose, CA. He was born on November 30, 1935 to Patrick "Harry" and Eva (Ryan) O'Callaghan in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. Noted in an article written by Leigh Weimers in 1995 - "what Sean was best known for other than his charitable activities and easily recognizable head of carefully coiffed silver hair was his long career in Bay Area radio and television broadcasting - which was a far cry from his rural roots."
His experience spanned across the world of radio and television broadcasting. He started his radio career back in Redwood Falls and Mankato, Minnesota after studying speech and theater arts at the University of Minnesota for two years. A friend offered him a job in 1960 out in California at radio station KJAX in Santa Rosa in which he jumped on the opportunity saying "I was freezing my buns off in Minnesota". From there he did a short radio stint in Spokane, Washington and returned to the Bay Area which expanded his career at KYA in San Francisco, KLOK and KKSJ in San Jose. His experience spanned across being a music and news director, news reporter, and talk show host, including several local television shows, telethons and television commercial production.
His charitable work throughout his life was extensive, the most notable was hosting the Bay Area local segment of the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) telethon for 24 years. Other fundraising events he participated in included the March of Dimes, Police Activities League, San Jose State University, The Spartan Foundation, The American Heart Association, Lions Club, The Valley Monte League, and many others.
He was also the in-stadium voice of the San Jose Earthquakes professional soccer team in the 1980s. Most knew him as the voice of the Western Appliance commercials with his fast-talking wit and catchy jingle that many remember to this day.
His charitable work also enabled him to travel around the globe as co-host of numerous celebrity cruises. Stating "I like to stay busy", you would find him participating in golf tournaments as well as playing tennis on the weekends. He was a man about town, always shaking hands and talking about advertising opportunities with many local restaurants and merchants.
A radio and broadcasting icon, Sean has influenced many of the on-air personalities on Bay Area radio stations today. The outpouring of support has been heartfelt and I'm sure he would be humbled.
He is survived by his older brother Dick O'Callaghan, son Chris O'Callaghan and his wife Kate, daughter Erin O'Callaghan of San Jose, and extended family.
Private celebration of life will be held in the next couple of weeks. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Muscular Dystrophy Association (mda.org).
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Memories and Condolences
for Sean O'Callaghan
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Robin Cook
May 5, 2024
I'm so saddened to learn of Sean's passing. He was a huge part of promoting our ShBoom nightclubs. I'll forever remember that beautifully coiffed shock of silver hair and his meticulous attire. He was a class act. He took my husband and I to countless Warriors games over the years. He just had a way about him, endearing. RIP, you no doubt have found my husband up there!
Sally Otton
May 8, 2020
I just found out today about the passing of Sean O'Callaghan. Condolences to his family. I was an avid listener and big fan of him when he was with KLOK in the 70s. I had the pleasure and honor to meet him twice in 1974. He was truly a radio legend. He will be missed. RIP.
Stevie Gurr
December 12, 2019
So sorry to have heard of Sean's passing.
I always think of him when I hear the Beatles song, I've Just Seen a Face because that's the very song that was playing when I called into the KYA listener line and got through to Sean.
I was calling to ask about another song, and after a few moments, I realized it was a Beatles song.
To clarify the reason this is significant, this was during a period before what was to be the last live Beatles concert, performed at Candlestick Park.
I stammered and stumbled wracking my brain trying to remember the songs title, when he said, Repeat after me, I've Just Seen a Face.
I did, and he said, You won Beatles tickets!
I was the talk of the neighborhood!
I wrote a letter to him, and unfortunately, some water soaked the envelope, so it smudged the writing a bit.
I was lucky to be listening at the moment Sean spoke of receiving the letter of thanks, making note of the water soaked ( now dried ) area of the letter.
Good memories of a carefree time...
RIP Sean, I'll never forget you, believe me.
Eve Martinez-Saizan
October 4, 2019
Awww, so sad to hear this news of Sean's passing. Used to listen to him all the time as 'radio' was my life as a teen growing up in San Jose. Good man. Great memories. Rest well dear Sean.
Marie
October 3, 2019
Sean O'Callaghan was a legend in broadcasting in the Bay Area. He
generously gave back to the community. He will be missed. Condolences to his family and friends.
Sosa i síocháin (Rest in Peace)
October 3, 2019
Condolences to the family
Victor Lipari
October 2, 2019
My sincere condolences to the O'Callaghan family.
I have so many fond memories of Sean in radio and tv. He was the very gifted and consummate professional and a true gentleman with a heart of gold toward people in so many ways. He is a legend and icon who will live on in the hearts of everyone who has cherished memories of him.
Rest in peace, Mr. O'Callaghan.
Marty & Mary Ivener
October 2, 2019
We both loved Sean so much! Marty will miss his trips from Roseville to have lunch with Sean and I will miss making him my chocolate chip cookies that he always requested. Rest In Peace our dear friend..you will be greatly missed. Our condolences to Erin, Chris & family.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face
and rainfall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND!
Bruce Ahlvin
October 2, 2019
A true legend in Broadcast, a beacon to be honored by his many achievements. RIP in Eternal Life.
Bruce Ahlvin
October 2, 2019
Sean was a legend and true beacon in the Broadcast industry. I've known him for over 40 years during my Ad Agency days. I believe his spirit will be alive in the hearts of those who knew Sean forever. RIP in Eternal Life, Bro!
Tom Muller
October 2, 2019
You will be missed by many.
William Harang
October 1, 2019
I'm sorry to read about the recent passing away of Sean O'Callaghan. I send my condolences to his family.
Cheryl Grijalva
October 1, 2019
My deepest sympathies to Erin, Chris and extended family members. Sean will be greatly missed by all.
I have wonderful memories of trips, cruises, vacations and golfing with Sean. May the old Irish blessing be with him until we meet again. God Bless.
October 1, 2019
We'll miss your smiling face, terrific hair and love of all things Irish.
Erin go Bragh - Slan agat.
Ken Kelly and Linda LeZotte
Dan Orloff
October 1, 2019
I've had so many interactions with Sean. As an adolescent boy growing up in Daly city and listening to him on KYA. As the principal of an ad agency where he was my media rep, or as a big supporter of my efforts to celebrate San Jose's and Santa Clara County's roll in Rock 'n' Roll music. Sean always had something nice to say. He was so pleasant to talk to. He had a wickedly dry sense of humor. I can still see, and hear him, in my mind's eye holding courtIn the bar at Lou's Village. RIP Sean and thank you for your friendship and support.
Warren Walther
October 1, 2019
Sean O'Callaghan was an iconic broadcaster in the San Jose area for many years...one of the most recognizable voices. Condolences to his family.
John Wyant
October 1, 2019
My Sympathy to the O Callahan Family. Sean was a great man and a wonderful and fabulous Bay Area Broadcaster and lovely Personality and will be be surely missed. RI P Sean
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