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WILLIAM CALLAGHAN Obituary
William M. Callaghan, 68, formerly of Chicago passed away on Monday, Jan. 31, 2011 at his home in Montverde, FL. He was born on December 12, 1942 to James and Ruth Callaghan in Chicago, IL. He grew up in Chicago, aspiring to be a Chicago Police officer like his father and grandfather before him, graduating from the police academy in 1965. Through hard work, dedication and service he raised through the ranks earning the title of Chicago Police Commander. During this time, Bill also managed security for the Chicago White Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks. He enlisted the services of his children and many wonderful family memories were made at both Comiskey Park and The United Center. After serving the city for 33 years, he retired from the Police Department in 1998 and he and his wife Jean and daughter Molly moved to New Mexico. He enjoyed many days riding his horse on the trails out there. He was also very proud of time he spent as a volunteer wild land firefighter for Bureau of Land Management. However, after five years of rest and relaxation he became anxious to work again. In 2003, he relocated to Montverde, FL to become President and CEO of Century Security & Event Staffing, expanding and growing the business to cities including Orlando, Las Vegas and New Orleans, working alongside many dedicated employees that he cared deeply about including his brother Mike and granddaughter Caitlyn. Bill enjoyed working out, the Chicago White Sox, the annual Callaghan Turkey Bowl, riding horses with his daughter Molly and vacationing with family. He loved old movies including John Wayne and Dirty Harry classics. Bill was a devout Catholic and attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Clermont, FL. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Red Cross Volunteer, dedicated to the Police Chaplain's Ministry and helping the homeless. Bill is predeceased by his parents, James and Ruth Callaghan and his brothers, James and Patrick. Bill is survived by his wife of 19 years, Jean; and children, William (Kris), Karen Holvick (Tony), Laura Lindsey (Jerry), Brian (Sandi), Barrett (Susie), James (Peggy), and Molly; also survived by his grandchildren, William, Matthew, Anthony, Caitlyn, Kierstin, Annie, Julia, Colin, Jerry, Josh, Jack, Ryan, Cade, Kellie, Grace, Anne, Caroline, Claire, Quinn and Hugh and by his first wife and friend, Maureen Callaghan and his siblings, John (Nancy) Ruth (Ron) Tushkowski, Mike (Beth) and sisters-in-law, Ann and Maryanelle, Mary Buncak; brother-in law-Jim Buncak as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation is Friday, 3 to 9 p.m. Funeral Saturday 9 a.m. from Lawn Funeral Home, 7732 W. 159th St., Orland Park to St. Francis of Assisi Church. Mass 10 a.m. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to Police Chaplains Ministry, c/o Father Tom Nangle, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607. Funeral Info: 708 429-3200 To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM CALLAGHAN
Lynn Lionhood
September 15, 2011
I will never forget Mr. Callaghan for standing beside me when my husband, a police officer and close friend of Mr. Callaghan, was seriously injured on the job. As my husband lay on life support Mr. Callaghan stayed with me in the hospital for several days, giving me his watch so I could rest and not worry about missing seeing my husband at the short periods he could be seen in the beginning. He was a strong shoulder to lean on to get through those difficult and stressful days for which I will always be grateful.
September 14, 2011
ALL COPPERS KNOW BILLY HAD STONES GOD BLESS POLICE
Kathy Griffin
August 8, 2011
Maureen,Billy,Karen,Laura,Barrett and Jimmy,sorry to hear about your Dad.
February 15, 2011
My prayers and sympathies are with the Callaghan family. I've worked with Bill both on and off the Police Department. He was the Finest of Chicago's Finest and a true friend. I will always remember him.
Roy Walker, Las Vegas, NV
Laura Zabloudil Copp
February 13, 2011
Maureen, Billy, Karen, Laura, Brian, Barrett and Jimmy,
I was so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I have great memories of Bill and the entire Callaghan family as we grew up together on Seipp Street. The block parties, summer trips to Pennellwood, Ikes, long summer nights with the adults sitting in the driveway socializing in their lawn chairs, Bill’s practical jokes with the mannequin, Bill picking up all the kids on the block from STM during the storm of ‘79…. Those of us who were lucky enough to grow up on Seipp Street grew up in a loving place – and we knew that Bill Callaghan was there to keep us safe.
With fond memories,
Scott Coyle
February 12, 2011
Bill Callaghan was a very humble and generous man. very well respected and always had time to talk to his employees. he was always in great shape and walked with perfect posture. Everytime I'd see him he'd say hi, shake my hand and ask how my family was doing. I will miss him. god bless you bill.
Michelle Baillargeon
February 10, 2011
My boss, Bill Callaghan is missed dearly every day as well as his great stories, but his work drive will continue through all of us at Century and we will continue to make him proud of us!!
February 8, 2011
Please know that we are keeping your family in our prayers. We are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. God Bless.
The Johnson Family (Chris, Ann, Cara, Connor & Clayton)
Mary Buncak
February 8, 2011
What a wonderful man Bill was, kind, caring, always thinking about the other person. My sister was so lucky to have found someone as genuine as Bill you couldn't have asked for a better husband, father and friend. We will miss him dearly, my heart hurts when I think of him, it is so hard to belive he is no longer here with us.
Daniel and Theresa Wolfe
February 7, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jean and Molly. Bill was and will remain a wonderful presence in our neighborhood and we are saddend at his loss. His workout routine is something to set goals for! A great man.
February 6, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Callaghan family and the Century team. Bill was a gentleman and a friend. I only wish I had the pleasure of knowing him longer.
Ed Kelter
February 6, 2011
My sincere condolences to the Callaghan family and the Century team. Bill was a gentleman and a friend. I only wish I had the pleasure of knowing him longer.
February 6, 2011
I remember Bill as the "older brother". I grew up across the street from the Callaghan clan and we were all great friends and neighbors. Years later I was reacquainted with Bill when he was head of security for the Bulls and my husband worked at the stats table. He was always a fun, gracious guy and I know he will be greatly missed. My prayers and condolences to all of the Callaghan's.
Pat (Flynn)and Bob Trudeau
February 6, 2011
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER BILL, BECAUSE HE ALWAYS WOULD STOP AND SAY HELLO AND ASK HOW EVERYTHING WAS GOING. HE ALWAYS ASK ABOUT MY HUSBAND, BECAUSE HE KNEW OF HIS ILLNESS. HE AS VERY WELL RESPECTED AND WILL BE THOUGHT OF VERY FOUNDLY BY EVERYONE WHO KNEW AND WORKED WITH HIM. ELIZABETH MACK,ORLANDO FLORIDA
Michael Coyle
February 5, 2011
Bill was always good to me and my son Scott. I will always remember the conversations I had with him and listening to his many stories about Chicago and the PD. May God bless you and your family.
Michael Coyle
February 5, 2011
Bill was always good to me and my son through the years I knew him, working with Century. Everytime I would see him, he would extend his hand out with a firm handshake, a smile, and a genuine greeting. I will remember the conversations I had with him and listening to his many stories of Chicago and his years with the PD. May God bless you and your family.
Jim Eldridge
February 5, 2011
I worked for Bill when he was a Lieutenant in the 008th District. He was the hardest working police lieutenant I ever met. A good boss and and a good guy. Rest in peace.
Sabrina Murray
February 4, 2011
Mr. Bill You will be deeply missed from the Murray's of Orlando, Florida
MARY ANN MC BEATH
February 4, 2011
JEAN AND MOLLY PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. ALL OF YOU WERE SO GENEROUS AND HELPFUL TO SAN LORENZO MISSION IN TINAJA, NEW MEXICO. I ESPECIALLY REMEMBER BILL AND LOU RUNNING THE CAKE WALK AT OUR ANNUAL SAN LORENZO FIESTA, HE ALSO HELPED FATHER STEVE BUILD OUR CHURCH. WE ARE SO HAPPY THAT OUR PATHS CROSSED. BLESSINGS.
GEORGE AND MARY ANN, NEW MEXICO
February 4, 2011
Our deepest sympathy
Dcota Sims
February 4, 2011
Hi Molly, I am so sadden by your loss. You are a true friend to my sister, Ariana. I am here if you need anything.
Ariana Sims
February 4, 2011
Molly, I am here for you. If you need anything, just let me know.
Bill Hamel
February 4, 2011
Bill, you will be missed. From one of the old guard and a past partner in Chicago P.D.
Jill Emling
February 4, 2011
Our prayers and love are with your family.
With love,
The Emlings
( Jill, Caitlin and Meghan)
The Sims': Vince, June, Dcota, & Ariana
February 4, 2011
"Our dear friends, Jean and Molly, we are sadden by the untimely passing of Bill. He was always a positive and non-judgemental man. He will be missed. We will remember his enthusiasm, courage and his devotion he had for both of you. We can recall the "love" in his eyes, when he speaks of you . As you know, we are here for you. "
Bob Navigato
February 4, 2011
Working with and for Bill was something special. He stuck his neck out for me a couple of times and I will never ever forget him . God speed Bill Callaghan and I know god will have you guarding the gates to heaven because he'd want the best.
Bob & Kathleen Navigato
John Nielson
February 4, 2011
A dedicated Police Professional with a ready smile. May he rest in peace.
Michele, Jimmy, Zack & Jacob Waitman
February 4, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Jean, Molly, and to all the family. Bill was a wonderful presence in our neighborhood and will be greatly missed!
Kathy Adkins
February 4, 2011
Jean and Molly,
We are so sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man. May memories comfort you and time heal. He will be missed.
Mary Mortimer Meany
February 4, 2011
John and I were saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I hadn't seen him in a few years but remember being with him at some enjoyable family gatherings. My husband used to take our son (now 37) to see him years ago at the Old Comiskey Park when Bill was working security. Our condolences to everyone in the Callaghan family.
JIM/DOLORES BALDINGER
February 4, 2011
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL OF THE GREAT CALLAGHAN FAMILY MAY OUR LORD GRANT BILL ETERNAL PEACE AND REST JIM/DOLORES BALDINGER
Renee' Phillips
February 4, 2011
I worked with Bill for many years through Century and he was a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.
Linda Hetterscheid (aka, Zielinski
February 4, 2011
Dear Jean & Molly, I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband & father. Such a larger than life, unique person. He loved all his family so very much, and led such a full and respected life. He leaves such a wonderful legacy and touched so many through his life's journey. Now, his journey continues. My deepest sympathy, and heartfelt prayers to you & his entire family.
Joey Scalzo
February 4, 2011
To the entire Family, my deepest sympathy. A friend that will be dearly missed!
Bill
February 4, 2011
Bill was a great help to the Daddano family and will be greatly missed.
Bud Ehrhardt
February 3, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 3, 2011
Hey Bill, please accept my deepest sympathies and prayers for your loss. Didn't get a chance to meet your dad but always heard great things about him. Frank
Frank Herrera
February 3, 2011
Hey Bill, please accept my deepest sympathies and prayers for your loss. Didn't get a chance to meet your dad but always heard great things about him. Frank
Rosemary Collins
February 3, 2011
John,Ruth and Mike. Because our mom's were so close, sisters and best friends, we did so much together as families. Births, birthdays, holidays, you name it, we were together. Bill always, because of who he was, kept things lively! Whether he was falling off a garage roof and braking his arm, or riding one of our bikes down to "the woods" and ripping his brand new Easter pants, he sure knew how to have fun. He now joins Aunt Ruth, Uncle Jim, Jim and Pat---what a comfort for all of us.
Brendan Sweeney
February 3, 2011
What a great guy. Thanks for the stories and the memories. Can you put a kind word in for my Cubs? Cheers my friend.
Jim Kielty
February 3, 2011
John, Ruthie and other members of the Callaghan family. I am so sorry to read that Billy passed away, As you can see from my calling a retiree "Billy," I still remember him as the kid brother of my own pals, his older brothers Jim and Johnny, from Aberdeen Street and St. Sabina Grammar School (and later as fellow Andy Frain ushers for two summers at Arllington and Washington Park racetracks).
All this was more than a half-century ago, but the memories of those innocent, happy days and the great friendships that developed have stayed with me all the years since. My own mother and dad loved the Callaghan kids as if they were their own. I used to say that my mother loved Jimmy more than me -- and deservedly so! I mourn Billy's loss.
Anne Fiebiger
February 3, 2011
My condolences to the Callaghan family. Mr. Callaghan was a terrific man.
Kasey Kesselring
February 3, 2011
As Headmaster of Montverde Academy, we have been truly blessed to have Bill, Jean and Molly as part of the Montverde Academy family. Bill was always a true gentleman--kind and caring and so supportive of the school. He will be sorely missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jean and Molly and the family during this difficulty time. Kasey C. Kesselring (Montverde, FL)
February 3, 2011
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Love you forever,Ruth
Ken McAvoy
February 3, 2011
Bill Callaghan can only be discribed as a TRUE GENTLEMAN. Everyone he came in contact with would become his friend. Our company benefited from Bill's leadership at Century Security. The people he trained will carry on based upon what Bill preached everyday....HONESTY....SERVICE....AND THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS FIRST. We will miss Bill. To his family....he was also a member of our family. May he rest in peace.
Ken McAvoy, Reed Exhibitions
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