Edward Thomas Callahan passed away peacefully on February 15th in his home at the age of 101.  His positive zest for life and his sharp mind were with him until his last days.  His sense of humor, his gift for storytelling, and his love for his family will be sorely missed.  

Ed was the youngest of 4 sons born to John Callahan and Margaret Long Callahan - - both born in the Village of Dripsey in County Cork, Ireland.  He grew up in the Irish neighborhood in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and was educated in Catholic schools there.  His strong Catholic faith was central to his life. Ed’s college education was interrupted by his enlistment into the Navy during WW II. He served as a gunner in Naval planes until 1945, and graduated from Manhattan College after the war.  Ed’s gregarious personality made him a natural for a career in sales. 

Although they grew up in the same neighborhood, it was not until the late 1940’s that Ed met our mother Theresa Cassidy.  They married in 1950, and together raised six children in West Hempstead, NY.  Ed was foremost a family man; his love for his parents, older brothers, his wife and children was evident to all who knew him.  Ed and Theresa lived long full lives after raising their children and retiring from work, including a 20 year residency in California. They approached old age with the same positive outlook and resiliency that had served them well throughout life’s ups and downs.  They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on July 15th, shortly before Theresa passed away on July 22nd, 2025. 

Ed is survived by his son Patrick Callahan (Maryann Stark), his daughters Kathleen Henn (Douglas Henn) and Monica Kiely (Kevin Kiely), his son-in-law Barry Wallerstein, his grandchildren Jessica Callahan Farrell, Patrick Callahan, Daniel Callahan, Emily Wallerstein Baggs, Brian Wallerstein, Cassidy Wallerstein Parsons,  Owen Henn, Tara Henn, and Erin Henn Kupferman, Katherine Kiely Brill, Meaghan Kiely, Thomas Kiely, Carolyn Kiely, and his great-grandchildren Ryan Farrell, Abby Farrell, Connor Farrell, Ava Baggs, Vivien Baggs, Jackson Callahan, and Callan Parsons. He was predeceased by his children John Callahan, Margaret Callahan Wallerstein, and Edward T. Callahan, Jr. 

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 14th at 11AM at Queenship of Mary Church, 16 Dey Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. 

Until we meet again, may God hold him in the palm of His hand.