Brian J. Callaghan

1941 - 2023

Callaghan

Brian J. Callaghan (Age 82)

Passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 in Glen Allen, VA. His family had all gathered for Thanksgiving a few days before, so he was able to see all his children and grandchildren one last time before his passing.

Brian was born on March 5, 1941, in Jersey City, NJ to the late Joseph Thomas and Anna Callaghan (Geraghty). He grew up in Jersey City, but chose to go to Xavier High School in New York City where he graduated in 1958. Brian went to St. Peter's College in Jersey City and after graduating in 1962, he joined the U.S. Air Force. He became a navigator on C-130 airplanes and did several tours of Vietnam. He reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Rosemary, before heading over to Vietnam again, and they married April 20, 1968, six months after he returned home.

Brian and Rosemary had three childrenâ€"Joseph, Brian, and Erin. Brian chose to leave the Air Force shortly after Joe was born. He loved flying, but he didn't love being away from his wife and son. They moved to Washington Township, NJ, then later to Randolph, NJ, Fairfax Station, VA, and finally Haymarket, VA after their kids all graduated from college. In each community they lived in, they developed close friendships with wonderful neighbors.

Upon his honorable dischargefrom the Air Force, Brian accepted a position at New York Telephone where he worked in finance/billing. Brian loved math and excelled at it. He would run calculations in his head quickly and took pride in his ability. In 1982, he graduated from Farleigh Dickenson University with his MBA. He continued working in the telecommunications industry with jobs at AT&T, MCI, and Sprint, before moving on to consulting work and starting his own companies. His enterprising nature didn't start in his adulthood though. Brian had worked steadily since he was seven years old when he worked setting up bowling pins at the bowling alley. He took any job that would help him achieve his goals and pay for his school from a shingle tester to working on the New Jersey Turnpike. He would also use his father's printing press as a side business printing tickets for the policeman's ball or high school dances. He had a strong business mind and entrepreneurial spirit which he passed to his children.

Brian loved sharing his skills and passions with his kids while instilling in them a strong work ethic. He would fix anything that broke around the house from a car to a television. He shared his love of the stars and constellations which he learned as a navigator. Wherever he went, he wanted to find the nearest amusement park and check out the rollercoastersâ€"even if he was going by himself. He enjoyed deep sea fishing, jig saw puzzles, a good game of cards, and spending time every year down the shore in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island, NJ, with is family. He also enjoyed volunteeringâ€"especially through his church. He and Rosemary volunteered with youth groups and counseling engaged couples, as well as at Prince William Hospital. Brian also enjoyed volunteering with the Knights of Columbus.

Brian was met in Heaven by wife, Rosemary, his parents, brother Kevin, and sister Ida. He will be missed by those he leaves behind including his two sons: Joseph Callaghan (Karen) of Edenton, NC; and Brian Callaghan (Melissa) of Richmond, VA; one daughter: Erin Huffman (David) of San Diego, CA; one sister: Sheila Orrick (John) of Trinity, FL; nine grandchildren: Mike, Mo, Jack, Dylan, Ava, Ella, Hunter, Isla, and Declan; two step grandchildren: Minuet and Monet.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 10, 2023 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at historic church of St. Mary's of Sorrows Catholic Church, 5612 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA with the interment following at St. Mary of Sorrows Catholic Cemetery in Fairfax Station, VA.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to:Marian Homes, P.O. Box 7003 Fairfax Station, VA 22039https://www.marianhomes.org/; ALS Association, DC/MD/VA Chapter, 7507 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855https://www.als.org/dc-md-va; or CMTA, PO Box 105. Glenolden, PA 19036,Home | Charcotâ€"Marieâ€"Tooth Association; in loving memory of Brian J. Callaghan.