Michael Callaghan

Michael "Mike" Callaghan, 67, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, following a 12-year battle with cancer. Born in Bootle, England, he lived most of his life in Erie. He attended Cathedral Prep, and then served in the United States Army. He then attended Pennsylvania State University, the Behrend College.
Mike, a retired City of Erie firefighter, spent 28 years in service to the city as a firefighter and driver at South Central, Central, Engine 11, and Engine 13. He was also a member of the city's rescue diving team. He was always ready to assist if there was anyone in trouble and greatly missed his time with his brothers in the Fire Department. He can rest easy knowing they will take care of business.
He loved all things outdoors: hunting, fishing, boating, and getting into shenanigans with the DWBs, his best friends, Russell Cerami and Gregory Will. An avid golfer, he spent a lot of time sinking amazing putts and getting angry at slices. He was amazing at trivia, especially music, history, and geography. He would have won thousands on Jeopardy! There was no song he couldn't recognize, and he could tell you the band or singer of any song in a matter of seconds.
The joy of his life was his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 38 and a half years, Mary. Theirs was a love envied by many but achieved by few. His love and devotion to her were evident to all that knew them. His three children and their spouses: daughter Heather Warnock and her husband, Gregory, daughter Shannon Callaghan, and his son, Sean Callaghan and wife, Haley, will miss him immensely. Dearly beloved son of Michael Callaghan, Sr., and the first of a brotherhood, he is survived by his four brothers and their wives: Steven and Michal Callaghan, Thomas and Lauren Callaghan, Christopher and Lisa Callaghan, and Patrick and Gwen Callaghan. He counted himself blessed to be one of them. He was admired and loved by many nieces and nephews. Additionally, his laughs, smiles, and life-saving hugs were reserved for his beloved grandchildren: Wesley, Maisie, Lily, Colin, and Ryan. They are what he called his greatest legacy.
Friends and family are invited to attend viewing hours at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street on Friday April 28 from 2-4 and 6-8. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday at 11 AM at the funeral home with the Rev. Michael Ferrick officiating.
Donations can be made in his honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Erie Cancer Wellness Center at 2212 West 15th Street Unit 104, Erie, PA 16505.