Donald F. "Cal" Calnan died peacefully at home on Sunday, February 12, 2017 surrounded by his loving children. He was the husband of the late Bernice (Powers) Calnan for 63 whirlwind years. He was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts and was the oldest son of Mary and Charles Calnan.
Donald is survived by his four children: Erin Calnan-Toolis; Karen Calnan, a business manager and property owner; Captain F/V owner Michael Calnan and wife Kerry of New Bedford; and Colleen Calnan, of Calnan Real Estate in Daytona Beach FL. He was predeceased by his children, Nadine Calnan and Donald Charles Calnan. Very close to his heart are six dearly loved grandchildren: Joseph Pinard, Matthew, Patrick, and Danielle Rezendes, and Rhiley and Jordyn Calnan, as well as five great-grandchildren. He also is the brother of Theodore Calnan, Nancy Sylvia and Janet Gallo.
Mr. Calnan was a graduate of New Bedford High School, where he was a member of the football team. As an outstanding football player, Donald was offered a full scholarship at the College of the Holy Cross but chose to serve his country in the Navy during the Second World War. Post military Donald attended New Bedford Textile Institute graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Engineering while playing the sport he loved, football.
In his earlier years, Donald started out utilizing his degree as a manager in the local textile manufacturing industry. Due to the love of his large family and the shift in economy, he got involved in the fishing industry. Donald, a.k.a. Cal as he was known on the docks, became a highly respected businessman owning many scallop and dragger vessels. He also mentored many young fishermen-to- boat owners throughout his fishing career before retiring to spend time with his wife at their second home in Port Charlotte, Florida.
The family has requested that friends and family attend a Funeral Mass to celebrate life at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church on Saturday March 4, 2017 in New Bedford at 9 AM. Burial will follow at the Riverside Cemetery in Fairhaven.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Donald and Bernice Calnan to Community Nurse Home Care, 62 Center Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719, for the hospice staff that provided loving care for both Mom and Dad. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.