Peter J. Callahan

1930 - 2008

PETER J. CALLAHAN, 77, of Old Greenwich, CT, died on August 20 from the effects of multiple myeloma. Born August 27, 1930 in Troy, NY to the late Joseph Mortimer and Kathryn Toolan Callahan, he graduated from La Salle Institute in Troy, where he was commandant of cadets. He graduated from Williams College in 1952 where he was a four-event skier, Little All American defensive end, and a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He was a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Topeka, KS and served as an intelligence officer with the Strategic Air Command in Africa. He earned his MBA at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Callahan was retired from McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. where he was an advertising sales manager for BusinessWeek magazine. He also served as managing director for Fleet Owner, another McGraw-Hill publication. Formerly he had been an investment advisor at Kidder Peabody & Co., and then at Shearson Hayden Stone in Greenwich, CT. He began his career with Arthur D. Little in Cambridge, MA, and worked as a marketing executive for W.R. Grace and Company followed by American Metal Climax (AMAX) in New York.

An accomplished sportsman all his life, Pete biked regularly for charity in the Dannon Tour de Wagner, part of the Special Olympics. In his final years he gave his time to Call-A-Ride of Greenwich, CT where he served on the board of directors. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne E. Callahan of Old Greenwich, CT; his sister, Patricia C. Corrigan of McLean, VA and Saltaire, NY; his brother, Joseph M., Jr. of Tarrytown, NY; and his brother Daniel E. of Steamboat Springs, CO. He is also survived by his three children from his marriage to Rae Wickes Ackerly: Carolyn C. Carroll of Carlisle, MA; Peter J. of Norwalk, CT; and William W. of Bozeman, MT. Also surviving are his stepson, Stein-Erik Soelberg of Atlanta, GA; six grandchildren (Jack, Pete and Matt; Christina, Mike and Emily) and two step-grandchildren (Susannah and Erik). Known for his humor and athleticism, he will also be remembered for his charm, intellect and big, strong heart. There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. on September 12 at the First Presbyterian Church, Greenwich, CT. Contributions in his memory may be sent to Call-A-Ride at 37 Lafayette Place, Greenwich, CT 06830.