Michael Leo Callahan entered eternal life on April 30, 2022. He died at home in Suffolk, VA, with family at his side.
The son of Dennis Leo and Clara Bell (Gorman) Callahan, Michael was born on April 30, 1929, in Syracuse. He attended Marcellus Central School after the family moved in 1938 to a 10-acre farm on Casson Road near Howlett Hill. Michael was president of his senior class when he graduated in 1947. Accepted into the NROTC, he attended the University of South Carolina, Columbia and spent summers in midshipmen training abroad. Michael graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1951 and, choosing to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps, pursued training as an engineering officer at MCB Quantico, VA. He served in the Korean Conflict in 1952-53 as a first lieutenant with A Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, commanding the truck and engineering operations. He completed his two years of active service at Quantico and then served six years in the reserves, retiring as a captain.
Michael was hired as a mechanical engineer by the television receiver department of General Electric, Liverpool, in 1953, and worked for the company for 34 years. On July 3, 1954, he married Mary Frances Leach, fellow graduate of Marcellus Central High School and date to his senior prom. They began their 67-year life together on Maple Street, Marcellus, in a house that Michael and his father had renovated. When GE relocated its television operations to Suffolk, VA, the family, now with six children and mother-in-law Fannie Leach, moved to Chesapeake. Michael finished his engineering career in 1993 after six years with the Naval Electronics System Engineering Center (NAVELEX), Portsmouth.
Michael is remembered for his quiet authority, patience, and light heart. He was devoted to his beloved wife and constant in his support of family and in service to his church. A member of Church of the Resurrection from its mission days, he at times led the parish council, stewardship initiatives, fundraising campaigns, and festival efforts, and helped with the upkeep of the parish and the Well, a diocesan retreat center. His service embodied the Vatican II belief that the Catholic Church is its people.
Michael’s retreat was the garage amid his tools; he was ever building, repairing and problem solving. In his later years he happily applied his ingenuity and building know-how at his daughter Kate’s sheep farm.
Michael is survived by daughters Mary Anne Callahan, Mary Therese Callahan and husband Doug Strehlow, Mary Patricia Callahan and husband Bob Wislinski, Mary Catherine (Kate) Callahan and husband John Moore, son Daniel Joseph Callahan and wife Lora, and daughter-in-law Beverly Kuhn Hoyer and husband Dave Hoyer; 15 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife (2021), father (1986) mother (1978), and son John Leo (2013).
The family expresses its deep gratitude to Brenda Harper of Comfort Keepers, Franklin, and to the nursing staff of Step Down, Sentara Obici Hospital, Suffolk.
A viewing will be held 6 to 7 p.m., Monday, May 9, at B. W. Foster Funeral Home, 1926 High St., Portsmouth. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 10, at the Church of the Resurrection, 3501 Cedar Ln., Portsmouth. A ceremony will follow at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Doctors Without Borders. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.
