John J. "Jack" O'Callahan, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life unexpectedly on Friday, January 31, 2014 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was 82 years old.
Jack was born in Boston on July 21, 1931, a son of the late Margaret "Peg" (Cotter) Callahan and Cornelius P. O'Callaghan. He grew up in Charlestown where he was educated in the Boston Public School system and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1948. Jack enlisted into the United States Army on September 15, 1952 and served his country with courage and pride during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged on September 14, 1954 with the rank of Corporal. Jack was a Master Electrician who later worked for Boston Edison Company for over 30 years and retired as a Manager in 1993. He loved "His Bride" and enjoyed every quality moment he was able to spend with his family. His passion in life was his love of hockey and the commitment he gave to the Charlestown youth hockey program and the pride he showed with his own 2 sons playing hockey. He was a member of The old Charlestown Schoolboys Association, The Charlestown Lions Club and the Boston Edison retirees group. Many people will miss the daily routine Jack had with walking the streets of his beloved Charlestown and talking to friends and strangers alike.
Jack is the beloved husband of the late Bernadette F. (Russell) O'Callahan. He is the devoted father of Bernadette Burks and her husband Ken of Kennebunkport, Maine, Jack O'Callahan and his wife Jenny Gais of Glencoe, Illinois and Michael O'Callahan of Charlestown and his late husband William Martel. He is the loving Papa to Kristina Halliday and her husband Alex, Bernadette Burks, Rachael O'Callahan, Aaron O'Callahan the late Matthew Burks and great-grandfather of his "Little Darlin" Callahan Catherine Halliday. He is the beloved brother of the late Dolly Mullen, Dotty Greatorex, Jimmy O'Callahan, Connie O'Callahan and Billy O'Callahan. He is the dear brother-in-law of Margie O'Callahan, Gina O'Callahan, Froggy Greatorex and the late Freddy and Helen Russell. He is the special nephew of the late Dot and Bill Keniston and nephew of Wally Cotter of California and the late Bud and Fran Cotter, Ruthie Cotter, Mary Schultz and Helen Hart. He is also survived by many beloved Godchildren, nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jack's Funeral on Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at 10 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown at 11 A.M. Interment will be private. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 from 4 to 8 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Jack's name to The Brooke DuBeau Fund, c/o Jules Hindman, 15 Rock St. Mansfield, Mass. 02048.