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BORN
1925
DIED
2020
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Francis Callahan Obituary
Rev. Francis Xavier Callahan fulfilled his earthly life early Wednesday morning January the 29th at the age of 94. Fr. Callahan was born March 4, 1925 in the Momauguin section East Haven, CT, the 5th of seven children of Anna Kilillea and Charles Lewis Callahan. He graduated East Haven High School, St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, CT and St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, MD before being ordained a priest on May 26, 1949. Fr. Callahan was assigned to parishes in Bristol and Mystic before being named co-pastor of St. Aedan's Church in New Haven, CT and later as pastor at St. Agnes Church in Milford, CT. He was also a chaplain at St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury for many years. In 2018, after 69 years of service, Fr. Callahan retired and resided with his only surviving sister Nancy.
Fr. Callahan enjoyed singing and golf but took neither too seriously and lived his life one pun at a time.
Fr. Callahan is survived by his sister, Ann aka Nancy Richter of Fairfield, as well as sixteen nieces and nephews and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews. He also leaves many parish friends he made over the years, especially those who visited him and kept him laughing in retirement.
Fr. Callahan was predeceased by his parents Anna and Charles, siblings Rev. Robert L. Callahan, Ruth O'Connor and her husband Ray, Rev. Charles Callahan, Madeline Brock and her husband Rick, Jaqueline Lembo and her husband Jerry as well as his sister Nancy's husband Gene.
Many thanks to the wonderful caregivers who made sure he was comfortable at the end of his life.
Fr. Callahan will be received into St. Agnes Church, 400 Merwin Ave., Milford on Monday, February 3rd at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive friends beginning at 4:30 p.m. A Vigil Mass is scheduled for Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. A funeral Mass officiated by the Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair will be held Tuesday, February 4th at 11 a.m. also at St. Agnes Church. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford. For information, please visit www.SpearFuneralHome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Francis Callahan
Sponsored by Spear-Miller Funeral Home.
6 Entries
Lisa Milone
February 5, 2020
My prayers and condolences are with the Callahan family at this time of loss. Fr. Callahan, married my husband and me, they are now in heaven together. Father also did my mom's funeral mass, and they have now reunited in heaven. What a wonderful, humorous man. He spent many a dinner with my family, and we thoroughly enjoyed his friendship. One story I will never forget is when we had two toddler girls as foster children in our home. We would weekly take them to "God's house" every Sunday morning. One day as we were leaving the church, they saw Fr. Callahan approaching, and one said, "hi God." I thought he was going to fall over. He smiled and said, "oh, that's not quite me," with a smile. We all, of course, laughed. He was indeed a special man; he will always be in my prayers. God Bless!
February 4, 2020
Father Callahan was a staple to many of us who grew up in the St Agnes Parish! Although he did not marry my husband and I he did baptize all 3 of my children !
He was a kind, sweet, funny and loving individual. And it was with great pleasure to have known him and honor him as part of our parish!
May he find his loving way into the gates of heaven and be with our Creator!
Much love
The Canfield family
Nancy & Bill Plankey
February 2, 2020
To the Callahan Family:
Father Callahan was our pastor at St. Agnes for 17 years and we knew him well. He was a wonderful human being and we will never forget him. May he rest in eternal peace and may angels lead him to his heavenly home. This world lost a bright light and a shining example of love and service to the Lord. We are so very sorry for your loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Kathy Mullin
February 2, 2020
Mrs Richter and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May your brother live in your hearts and memories forever.
Kathy DePledge Mullin
February 1, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
The Staff of Spear-Miller Funeral Home
January 31, 2020
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
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