Francis H. Callahan, Jr.

Francis H. Callahan, Jr., 87, husband of 50 years to the late Eileen Coyle Callahan, passed away peacefully in Connecticut Hospice, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. He was born in New Haven Feb. 25, 1924, son of the late Francis H. Sr. and Bertha Stenner Callahan and was a long time resident of Hamden before moving to Guilford in 2001. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Robert F. and Gretchen Callahan of Hamden, Nancy A. and Michael Johnston of Milford, Kevin P. and Lisa Callahan of Lighthouse Point, FL, Francis H. III and Kathleen Callahan of Easton. Also survived by fourteen grandchildren, Christopher, Rory, Chelsea, and Conor Callahan, Michael and Edward Johnston, Jack, Nolan, Timothy and Peter Callahan, Maggie, Patrick, Matthew and Colleen Callahan as well as nephews and a niece. Francis graduated from Hamden High School class of 1943 where he was an all-state football and hockey player, captain of both teams and recipient of the Hugh Young Award for Sportsmanship. In 1951 he graduated from the University of Connecticut and had continued his passion for UConn sports. Fran received an appointment to the West Point Military Academy and instead chose to enlist and proudly serve in the US Marines. As a member of the 5th Marine Engineers, he was wounded in the battle of Iwo Jima and was awarded a Purple Heart. A former semi-professional hockey player and long time coach, he was inducted into the Hamden High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006. After working for years in local industry, Francis pursued a career in teaching. He retired from the Eli Whitney Technical School in 1989. Francis was one of the founding members of the Hamden Youth Hockey Association and Hamden Fathers Baseball, a member of St. George Church, Guilford , the American Legion, Knights of Columbus and former member of the High Lane Club and St. Rita Church in Hamden. Fran was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many and he will be truly missed. Friends may call Friday, Sept. 23 from 4 to 8 pm at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 WHITNEY AVE., HAMDEN. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, Sat. Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. and interment with military honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fran's memory may be sent to CT Hospice 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405