Master Chief USCG (Ret.) William F. Callahan, age 83, Of Woburn, formerly of East Boston, died Thursday, July 5, 2012, at the Wilmington Health Care Center, after a lengthy illness. Born in Boston, William was the devoted son of the late Lillian (Dundee) & Daniel J. Callahan.
Raised in East Boston, William met his future bride there at about 13 years of age. In 1944 William joined the US Navy which would start his career in the military. He eventually was honorably discharged from the US Coast Guard as a Master Chief, in March of 1967. On February 6, 1949 he married his childhood sweetheart, Julia F. (Leddy) Callahan, and was married for 63 years.
After William was discharged from the Coast Guard, he worked for 22 years at Sweetheart Plastics in Wilmington, as a machine inspector, retiring in 1991. A member of Palmer Yacht Club in Salem, MA, for 37 years, William enjoyed and raced sailboats, winning a race from Boston to Halifax on the "Bonnie Lassie", early in the 1980's. He and his wife, Julia, loved to travel, cruising to Alaska, Hawaii, trips all over Europe and the United States. But most of all, William loved his family especially all his grandchildren.
William was the beloved husband of Julia F. (Leddy) Callahan. Devoted father of Julie L. Medina of Woburn, and the late Sheila Ann Carroll. Father in law of William Carroll of Georgia. Loving grandfather of Cheryl Pinkham, Timothy and Kevin Carroll, Derek and Cory Medina. Loving Great Grandfather of Brianna, Sawyer, Gavin and Great Great Grandfather of Aubree. Brother of Mary Smith of Wilmington, Joseph Callahan of NH, Priscilla Campbell and Francis Callahan both of Somerville, the late Catherine Murphy, Patricia Silva, Lillian O'Rourke, Daniel J., John, James, Robert and Thomas Callahan. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral from McLaughlin - Dello Russo Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN , Monday, July 9th at 9 AM. Followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Barbara Church, 138 Cambridge Rd. Woburn at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday 4 thru 8. Interment will be private.
In Lieu of flowers please make contributions in William's name to Boston Children's Hospital, Spina Bifida Program, Fegan Building, 300 Longwood Ave. Boston, MA 02115.