Thomas Joseph Callan

It is with deep sadness that we announce that Thomas Joseph Callan, known to friends and family as Tom, passed away peacefully at home in Vero Beach, FL on Saturday January 4th, 2025, at the age of 88.
Tom is survived by the love of his life Eileen Callan of Vero Beach (married 64 years); daughters Cheryl Callan of New York NY, Beth Callan (Michael Burpoe) of Vero Beach, FL and Erin Montella (Anthony) of Vero Beach, FL; and grandchildren Gabriela Milian and Maggie Montella.
Born in Queens, New York on July 15th, 1936, to Thomas and Irene Callan, Tom earned his BA from Fairfield University in 1958. He joined the US Marine Corps in 1959 and was in the reserves until 1964. Between 1958 and 1964 he pursued various career paths including accounting. Inspired by his father, who was a Captain in the New York City Police Department, he ultimately followed in his footsteps and was sworn into the NYPD in 1964.
In 1957, Tom met Eileen at the local ice cream parlor, and they fell in love just like that. They soon married and eventually moved to Douglaston, NY where they raised their family and resided for over 30 years before moving to Glen Cove, NY.
Tom earned a law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1967 while working, and with the benefit of a scholarship from the NYPD. Subsequently, he transferred into the Legal Division of the NYPD where he remained until he retired following 20 years of service. At that point, he launched his private law practice which he actively pursued until moving to Vero Beach in 2019.
Not only was Tom a trusted attorney to many members of the Douglaston community, he was also known for his unique ability to connect with people and make them feel special. He and Eileen were amazing dancers; they could be counted on to dance the night away at parties and club events.
Tom was an avid reader and often had his nose in one of four books he may have been reading at one time. He was a great tennis player and golfer in his day and was a lover of all sports, having played baseball in high school and basketball in college. He and Eileen were members of the Douglaston Club until they moved to Vero and joined the Moorings Yacht & Country Club shortly thereafter.
His devotion as a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend was boundless. He brought much joy to everyone who knew him over his lifetime. As a neighbor and friend said, if he were to use one word to describe Tom, it would be "gentleman".
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Irene Callan & Patricia Mannion.
Mass will be held at Holy Cross Church on Friday, January 31st at 10 am.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to "Tunnel to Towers Foundation".