John C. Callahan Jr., 78, a longtime resident of Troy, NH, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, July 5, 2020, at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, NH.
Born the son of the late Ruth I. (Buckley) and John C. Callahan, Sr. on September 17, 1941, in Brockton, MA. the family moved to Troy in 1951. John attended local schools, graduating from Troy High School in 1961.
John exchanged vows with Priscilla E. Aro at Immaculate Conception Church in Troy on August 4, 1962, and they remained married until her passing in 2017.
John was a dedicated employee of Kingsbury Machine Tool, Inc. in Keene NH for over 40 years. His passion for community service and safety was displayed by his participation on several local boards. These included 47 years of service to the Troy Volunteer Fire Department, 27 years as its Chief. Member of the Meadowood County Area Fire department and Fire school where he also held the roles of supervisor of the grounds and sat on the Board of Directors. He helped to establish and was the first president of, TEASI which has evolved into the Troy Ambulance Service Inc. He was a member of the Board of Commissioners for the Troy Water/Sewer board for 11 years, ending his service in 2019.
John was a lover of automobiles and travel. He enjoyed owning many different American made automobiles, including a 1966 Ford Thunderbird. He and Priscilla’s love of travel took them to tropical destinations like Hawaii, the Bahamas, many of the Caribbean islands, Mexico and Florida during their lifetime. They wintered in Cape Coral, FL during their retirement and enjoyed hosting friends and family there. John’s favorite time of year was the holidays. Whether it was a family cruise, Christmas in the Bahamas, Florida, or New Hampshire, John was happiest when his family was celebrating together.
Mr. Callahan is survived by his five children, John C. Callahan III (Anne) of Worcester, MA. Patricia C. Rhode (Steve) of Lynnfield, MA. David A. Callahan of Swanzey, NH. Mary E. Todd (John) of Sterling, VA, and Daniel J. Callahan of Keene, NH. His grandchildren; John C. Callahan IV, Parker Rhode, Tracy Rhode, Hunter Todd, Colin Todd, and three great-grandchildren, Liam Callahan, Mary Callahan, and Madelyn Callahan. The oldest of 15 children, he is pre-deceased by his twin brother James E. and sister Elizabeth and is survived by Robert (Leslie), Gerald (Ann), Mary Remijon, Ann Southworth, Jean Austin (Dan Czeh), Margaret Callahan-Towle (Doug), Thomas, Ruth Sanders (Jack), Rita Lane (Dan), Rose Belisle (Rob), Catherine Zaricki (John) and Michael (Nicky) In addition he leaves; nieces, nephews extended family and numerous friends.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held on Monday at 10 a.m. all in the funeral chapel. Burial will follow in the family lot at Pine Grove Cemetery, Granite Street, Marlborough. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s name to the
Troy Fire Department
P.O. Box 659
Troy, NH 03465.
All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave, Keene. NH. 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com
