John D. Jack Callahan, Sr. Obituary (1935 - 2015)

SCARBOROUGH John D. Jack Callahan, Sr., 80, died Friday, December 25, 2015 at Maine Veterans Home, Scarborough after a long courageous battle with cancer. Born in Medford, MA, Jack was the son of the late Edward and Frances (Molloy) Callahan. He graduated from St. Clements High School in Medford, Class of 1953. Jack honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He later attained his degree from Tufts University, graduating in 1961. Jack then began his 33 year career with Sears, retiring in 1994 as a Store Manager. In semi-retirement, Jack worked at MBI Trailers for nearly 20 years with his friend, Sam Kelley. In addition, he was actively involved in several other organizations. Jack was a Past Commodore at Centerboard Yacht Club of South Portland and an active board member and treasurer with Project G.R.A.C.E. Above all else, Jack adored his family. He was happiest when he was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was always active throughout his childrens lives, coaching little league for over 10 years and teaching his children to treat everyone with respect and decency. He was an avid fan of Boston sports and enjoyed traveling. He will be deeply missed. In addition to his parents, Jack is predeceased by his brothers, Ed, Bud and Frank. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Janet (McCarthy) Callahan of Scarborough; children, Susan Thurlow and husband John of Scarborough, John Jack Callahan, Jr. and wife Tawna of Wolfeboro, NH, Mark Callahan and wife Cheryl of Scarborough, Ken Callahan and wife Lisa Mantil of New York, NY, and Karen Murphy and husband D.J. of Windham, NH. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren, Taylor, John III Jackson, Meghan, Heather, Abby, Elizabeth, Alex, Caleb, Joe, Ben, Andrew, Chase, Jack, Sydney and Kate. Visiting Hours will be held on Tuesday from 4-7PM at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Funeral Home on Wednesday at 9:15AM followed by a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 150 Black Point Rd., Scarborough. A graveside service will take place in the spring at Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery, Springvale. To view Jacks memorial page or to share anonline condolence, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Project G.R.A.C.E., P.O. Box 6846, Scarborough, ME 04070-6846