Donald Francis Callahan's Obituary
Don moved to heaven peacefully surrounded by his family on June 5, 2026 after courageously battling a period of declining health. He was born and raised in Newport Delaware to his parents, the late Francis J. Callahan and Dorothy (Rodman) Callahan. Don was in the first graduating class of the new Delcastle Technical High School in 1970, formerly known as the H. Fletcher Brown Vocational High School in Wilmington Delaware. Don was awarded “The Outstanding Teenager Award” for the state of Delaware and was 8th in His graduating class.
Soon after high school Don went to work for United Scale Model company as a technical draftsman. Shortly after his employment he married his high school sweetheart, Sandy Davis. Within that first year Don accepted an offer to transfer to the New York office in Syracuse and there they began their family. Later, he secured work with Benjamin F. Shaw company in Wilmington Delaware and moved back home. With the onset of Nuclear energy, only a couple of years later, Don moved his family to New Jersey in 1981 and went to Work for Bechtel Construction Company in the engineering department at Artificial Island in Hancocks Bridge New Jersey. Before his retirement in 2021 he was working as an instructor for PSEG education department, Nuclear. He was a man who enjoyed his work and was “by the book” because he believed what he did was for the benefit of others.
Most of Dons life has been involved in ministry, Bible coffee’s, retreats, Promise Keeper’s and most recently, SJ Men’s. Growing up Methodist Don led his family in the value of knowing Jesus Christ he maintained a life of Christian example to his family and friends and was actively involved in his church and community he is also a member of The Brotherhood of the Junglecock, which is a program committed to teach youth the art of fly tying, fishing and the importance of the conservation of our natural resources as well as the relationship of the Lord in all these endeavors.
Don is survived by his wife Sandy of 56 years, his son’s Matt (Lori), son Chad, his grandchildren Jesse (Ashlyn), Allegra, Erin, Connor, Chad Jr., Charity and his great grandchildren Lily and luna and many special nieces and nephews who he loved very much.
The name Donald means “valiant overcomer” and his middle name (after his father) Francis means “free man” he is triumphant to be sure. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
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