Deceased: 2008-06-03
Diocese: SPRINGFIELD IN MASS
Seminary Graduation Year: 1958
Reverend Edward M. Callahan 1932-2008. HOLYOKE – Reverend Edward M. Callahan, 75, formerly of Tacoma Street, Springfield died Tuesday morning June 3, 2008 in the Sisters of Providence Infirmary, Holyoke. Father Callahan served the Diocese of Springfield for many years and retired on June 1, 2002. Father Callahan was born in Springfield on July 17, 1932 a son of the late Michael and Julia (Fitzgerald) Callahan. He was educated in Springfield and graduated from Cathedral High School. Father Callahan attended Saint Michael’s College, Winooski Park, VT from 1950 to 1951, Saint Thomas Seminary Bloomfield, CT from 1951 to 1952 and the Seminary of Philosophy, Montreal, Canada from 1952 to 1954. He studied for the priesthood at North American College in Rome from 1954 to 1956 and Saint John’s Seminary, Brighton, MA from 1956 to 1959. Father Callahan was ordained on January 31, 1959 in St. Michael’s Cathedral, Springfield by Bishop Jeremiah F. Monihan, D.D. Auxiliary Bishop of Boston. After ordination, Father Callahan served as curate at St. Thomas Parish, West Springfield from 1959 to 1966, St. Thomas Parish in Huntington from 1966 to 1969, St. Patrick’s Parish in Chicopee from 1969 to 1972, and St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield from 1972 to 1973. Father Callahan served as pro-tem administrator at Saint Mary’s in Turners Falls from 1973 to 1974, at Holy Family Church from 1974 to 1976, and at St. Francis of Assisi in North Adams from 1976 to 1977. He was assigned as pastor to Sacred Heart Church in Pittsfield from 1977 to 1982. He served as chaplain with Father Gerald Brady at Wesson Memorial Hospital and Springfield Municipal Hospital with residence at St. Mary’s East Springfield. Father Callahan was also the parochial vicar at St. Cecilia’s in Wilbraham. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother James Callaghan. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Callaghan of Springfield, a nephew, Michael Callaghan and his wife Kelly of Enfield, CT; two grandnephews, Jimmy and Sean Callaghan and a grandniece Sinead Callaghan; along with many cousins. Visiting hours for Father Callahan will be held on Friday June 6, 2008 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield. A vigil prayer service will follow in Sacred Heart Church at 4 p.m. The Liturgy of Christian Burial for Father Callahan will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church on Saturday morning June 7, 2008 at 10 a.m. Rites of Committal and burial to follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, 1601 State Street, Springfield. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104 and or to Our Lady of Hope Church, 577 Carew Street, Springfield, MA01104.
