Craig E. Callen

Craig E. Callen obituary, Warwick, RI

Craig E. Callen

Craig Callen Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Quinn Funeral Home - Warwick on Jul. 8, 2025.

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Craig E. Callen, 79, of Warwick, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Born in Wichita, Kansas, he was the beloved son of the late Richard W. and Emma (DiGrado) Callen.
A proud graduate of Pilgrim High School, Craig was a standout athlete, best known for his remarkable basketball career. His record-breaking scoring abilities, including achieving over 1,000 points, remained unchallenged for years and earned him a legendary status in the local sports community. He continued his education and athletic career at St. Thomas More, and later graduated from Providence College in 1970, where he served as captain of the PC Friars basketball team and earned his Bachelor's degree. Craig's professional journey was as diverse and passionate as his personality. He began his career working for the state of Rhode Island, including working for governor Noel. He then worked at the DMV, was the general manager at Truck Away, and later worked at Waste Management. Always devoted to his community, Craig served on the Warwick School Committee. His love for basketball also carried into his years as a coach at St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, where he mentored and inspired many young athletes.
Later in life, Craig pursued a dream that showcased his entrepreneurial spirit-purchasing a restaurant. His passion for this industry began when he worked at the Greenwood Inn during his younger years. He poured his heart into the Governor Francis Inn on Warwick Avenue for 28 years. His warm presence and dedication to hospitality made him a beloved figure in the Warwick community, where he greeted guests like family and created a welcoming space that reflected his generous nature.
Above all, Craig cherished his role as a devoted father and grandfather. His greatest joy came from spending time with his children and grandchildren, who will forever carry his legacy of love, laughter, and integrity.
He is survived by his three loving children, Craig R. Callen and his wife Melissa, Ross Callen and his fiancé Bianca Iamondi, and Audra Morgan and her husband Keith; spouse, Judith Callen, with whom he shared many meaningful years; siblings, Linda Williams, Dennis Callen, and Susan Picone; as well as his cherished grandchildren, Jeremy, Taylor, and Kaylyn Morgan, and Alexis, Adriana, Simon, and Hannah Callen. He was the brother of the late Richard Callen.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Visitation in the Funeral Home on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 1:30-5:30pm, followed by a Chapel Service at 5:30pm, in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave, Warwick. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the American Heart Association online at: https://www.heart.org/en/why-give.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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July 15, 2025

Michael Malloy posted to the memorial.

July 13, 2025

Michele Marc Aurele posted to the memorial.

July 12, 2025

scott Anderson posted to the memorial.

Michael Malloy

July 15, 2025

Craig Callen was a beloved member of the Friars and a personal favorite of mine. He and his wonderful family have run the Governor Francis restaurant for years. Craig was a gentleman and always took a moment to talk basketball with me. I will miss him very much and God Bless his beautiful family.

Respectfully,

Michael J. Malloy

Michele Marc Aurele

July 13, 2025

As a student and basketball fan at S.R.A. I could see all Coach Callen brought to his team and the school.

Please accept my condolences.

Michele Marc Aurele `78

scott Anderson

July 12, 2025

My condolences to Craig Jr., Ross and Audra. God bless

Single Memorial Tree

Love you big guy. -Daphne

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

John Surabian sr

July 9, 2025

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

John Surabian sr

July 9, 2025

American Heart Association

July 9, 2025

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Bill Batty

July 8, 2025

Craig was a Gentle Giant. During our freshman year at PC Craig would visit my dorm room. He was a friend of my roomie Kevin Bowler, Craig would enter my room and proceed to lift up the foot of my iron bed like he was doing curls. I would wake up and see him at the foot of my bed. Eventually he would allow me to go back to sleep. I was a die hard Celtics fan. Maybe he did not like that. Eventually I became friends with this ball busting dude. Love you Craig. Peace of Christ. Bill Batty class of 1960.

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Quinn Funeral Home - Warwick

2435 Warwick Ave, Warwick, RI 02889

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Sign Craig Callen's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 15, 2025

Michael Malloy posted to the memorial.

July 13, 2025

Michele Marc Aurele posted to the memorial.

July 12, 2025

scott Anderson posted to the memorial.