Michael Joseph Callahan

1939 - 2021

Michael J. Callahan, 82, of Scottsdale, AZ, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, June 6th, 2021 with his family by his side. Mike was born on February 12, 1939, in Detroit, MI to Virginia and John Callahan. He was the younger of two children and graduated from University of Detroit High School in 1958. He earned his bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Michigan in 1962. He served in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant aboard the destroyer, U.S.S. Davis. He then returned to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he earned his master's degree in business administration (MBA) with honors in 1967. From 1967 through 1982, he held several domestic and international positions with Exxon Corporation, including Treasurer of Exxon Japan and Exxon Australia. From 1982 through 1991, Mike was a senior finance executive and member of the Board of Directors of The Quaker Oats Company where he served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He would go one to hold the CFO position at Whirlpool Corporation from 1991 through 1994 and FMC Corporation from 1994 to 2000. Additionally, Mike was one of the longest serving members of the Brunswick Corporation Board of Directors. He finished his career with Material Sciences Corporation, where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer from 2002 to 2004. Mike is survived by his wife, Clare, whom he married in 1971 in New York City and enjoyed over 50 years together; his son, Jim Callahan (Rebecca), of Lone Tree, CO and his grandchildren, Zach and Sarah; and his daughter, Susie Dunn (Mike), of Litchfield Park, AZ and his grandchildren, Emily and Ryan. A private funeral for the family was held in Florida, where Mike was laid to rest alongside his sister Sharon and her husband John at Riverside Memorial Park in Tequesta, Florida. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to The Hospice of the Valley, Scottsdale, AZ.