Robert V Callahan

Robert V. Callahan of Plantation, FL died at age 79 on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2024, from complications of kidney disease. His wife, Teri Connell, and his daughter, Ryan Callahan, were by his side.

Bob was born in Jamaica, New York and grew up in Uniondale, Long Island. He graduated from Uniondale High School in 1963 where he was a standout student leader, swimmer, and musician. He was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Wesleyan University (Middletown, Ct) in 1967. He continued his education as a doctoral candidate in American Studies at George Washington University where he also served as a teaching fellow. 

Bob began his career working for Eastern Airlines as a flight attendant where he was elected President of Local 553 Transport Workers Union and served three years on Eastern’s Board of Directors. After leaving Eastern he had a successful career in fundraising, as Director of Development for the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, the South Florida American Diabetes Association, and the Alpha-1 Foundation. The highlight of his fundraising career was his significant service at both the University of Florida and at Florida International University, where he was Associate VP and Assistant Dean of Development in the College of Arts and Sciences.

During college and graduate school summers, Bob was an ocean lifeguard at East Atlantic Beach on Long Island, a period of life that was very dear to him. He continued to embrace time on the water during his 50 years of living in Florida, always enjoying a trip to the beach, sailing his boat “Deja Vu”, and taking a spin in his Boston Whaler.

Bob was a voracious reader who often had three books going at once. He could converse knowledgeably on literature and history and had eclectic musical taste, especially enjoying the blues, 50’s and 60’s rock and roll, classical, and Gregorian chant.

Nothing was more important to Bob than family, and he made us all feel like superstars. He is survived by his wife, Teri Connell, with whom he had just celebrated twelve years of marriage. Her love, devotion, and care over the years has been immeasurable. He also leaves behind his beloved daughter, Ryan Callahan, of whom he was immensely proud. Other family members mourning his loss include his brother and sister-in-law, Patrick Callahan and Ann Goodwin, of Essex, CT; his nieces Caitlin Callahan (partner, Dan Lounsbury) and Dana Callahan (husband and son, Matt and Finn George), of Melrose, MA.

Recognizing his pride in his Irish-American heritage, Bob’s Celebration of Life will be held at The Field Irish Pub and Eatery, 3281 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, from 1:00-5:00 on Friday, January 24, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Generation Initiatives at FIU or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.