Robert H. "Bob" Callahan, a 43 year resident of Melrose, died suddenly at his home in Melrose on Tuesday, July 12, 2011. He was 77 years old.
Bob was a fixture on Main Street everyday, walking up to 15 miles a day between Pine Banks in Melrose and Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield with his sunglasses and hat.
Bob was born in Boston on July 26, 1933 to the late Daniel J. and Lillian (Inglis) Callahan, one of 15 children. He grew up in Charlestown where he attended Boston Public Schools. He furthered his education with electronic courses at M.I.T. in Cambridge. Bob enlisted into the United States Marine Corps on August 20, 1951 and served his country proudly and honorably during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged on August 19, 1959 with the rank of Lance Corporal. He was a member of The Disabled American Veterans. Bob began working at Polaroid Corporation in 1966 as an Electronic Technician and retired in 1995 after 29 years of service. He delivered for M.V.P. Pizza on Main Street in Wakefied for several years. Bob enjoyed following his grandchildren with all their sports activities. He enjoyed reading and doing puzzles but most of all getting outside everyday of the year and taking his walk.
Bob is the beloved husband of the late Ellen M. (Walsh) Callahan. He is the devoted father of Steven R. Callahan and his wife Kristin of Saugus, Robert F. Callahan and his wife Linda of Stoneham, Gary J. Callahan and his wife Lynne of Swampscott, John C. "Jack" Callahan and his wife Louise of Georgetown and the late Paul G. Callahan. He is the loving Grampie to Maura, Kyle, Michael, Rebecca, Bobby, Megan, Patrick, Amy, James, Joshua, the late Jocelyn and also his great-grandson; Benjamin. He is the beloved brother of Francis Callahan and Priscilla Campbell both of Somerville, Joseph Callahan of Raymond, New Hampshire, Mary Smith of Wilmington, Vincent Callahan of Woburn, the late Catherine "Kay" Murphy, Patricia Silva, Lillian O'Rourke, James, William, John, Daniel, Thomas and Helen Callahan.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bob's Funeral on Monday, July 18, 2011 at 9 a.m. from The Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main St. Melrose followed by his Funeral Mass in The Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield at 10 a.m. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, July 17, 2011 from 2 to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Bob's name to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St. Framingham, Mass. 01701-4688.