George T. Callahan

1921 - 2022

.... of Shirley

George T. Callahan, 100, of Shirley, MA, died Sunday, June 26, 2022, at the Elisabeth Norse Rodgers Veterans Hospital in Bedford, MA. He spent only a few years days in hospice and was blessed to have remained at home with family and his beloved dogs until the near end. Born in Somerville, MA, on July 29, 1921, he was the eleventh of thirteen children born to George and Mary Agnes (Croke) Callahan. A devoted family man, and U.S. Army officer who proudly served his country for 30 years (and through three wars including WWII, Korea, and Vietnam). George retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel in 1971. During his time in service, he and his family traveled extensively, taking postings at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Gainesville, FL; the Panama Canal Zone; the U.S. Army War College in Cumberland County, PA; Fort Benning, GA; Fort Richardson, AK; Fort McPherson, GA; Fort Monroe, VA; the U.S. Embassy in Teheran, Iran; and Fort Devens, MA – where he originally enlisted and eventually retired.

The word "retired" didn't apply to George who never satisfied to rest on his laurels. In his post-military career, he dabbled in numerous enterprises including hospital administration; hotel and restaurant ownership; as the Director of the Model Cities program in Lowell, MA; real estate; auctioneering; and house "flipping". He often said he couldn't understand how anyone could retire and then did nothing, as he believed that was the road to an early demise. He is survived by three sons, George Callahan and his wife Mary of Carver, MA, Mark Callahan of Shirley and Peter Callahan of San Francisco, CA; his daughter-in-law Betts Callahan of Homer, AK and Linda Cahoon-Lambros of Yarmouth, MA; five grandchildren, Annya Pedreschi, Patrick Callahan, Carrie King, Aren Callahan and Lindsay Callahan; eleven great grandchildren, Anna Grace Pedreschi, Jack Pedreschi, Eoin Pedreschi, Morgan King, Jameson King, Madison King, Maisie Callahan, George Callahan, Alaina Callahan, Maritza Callahan and Evelyn Callahan. A twelfth great grandchild is expected any day.

He was the last remaining sibling of a large and boisterous family, including Helen "Lala" James, Thomas "Tommy" Callahan, Joseph "Joe" Callahan, Edward "Teddy" Callahan, Ruth "Chickie" Wing, James "Buddy" Callahan, William "Wewe" Callahan, Ada Callahan, Bernadine "Bernie" Shields, Phillip "Philly" Callahan, Lilian "Lil" Montalto and Francis "Franky" Callahan. He was also deceased by his wife of 70 years, Helen (O'Malley) Callahan as well as his sons John Callahan of Homer, AK, and Timothy Callahan and his wife Catherine of Wakefield, RI.

The family invites relatives and friends to calling hours from 4-7 PM, Friday, July 1, 2022, at the Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road (Rt. 2) in Ayer, MA. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM Saturday, July 2, 2022, at St. Anthony's Church, 14 Phoenix St. Shirley. Burial will be at Center Cemetery in Shirley. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Care Unit, VA Bedford Healthcare System, CDCE (135), 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730. Events



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