Birth date: Nov 22, 1952 Death date: Jun 5, 2026
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 Read Obituary
My son and I really loved Don. We loved his faith and the way he always encouraged us to be better men, better Christians. I remember our trip to Fort Mott and the many times he would tease Bryce about driving me around. He have missed him and will miss him greatly. But we know he is with the Lord right now.
I worked with Don for years. I always enjoyed his positive attitude and humor. He graciously gave us the message at our church since we did not have a minister. His messages were from his experiences and that helped to understand the Scripture. He will be greatly missed.
Prayers for Sandy and family.
Jenny Turner
Don was a fisher of men.
We have been blessed to know him.
He's still fishing... just over the horizon.
Pop, when my dad passed, you stepped up and said you’d be my covering - and you indeed were my 2nd father! You grafted me into the Callahan Clan, just like I was into the Davis Clan at 10 days old! You have been a wonderful father - always showing the love and kindness in the way Jesus would, giving sage advise (even if I didn’t ask for it LOL), always at the ready for some quirky quote or joke and amazed me at your football knowledge (I learned everything I know about football from you - even though you were a Jaguars fan! LOL) I mostly love how you were ferociously protective of those you loved & cared for, even in the hard times, no one ever doubted your love for them! I am going to miss you SO much, but I know you are “home” with Jesus - with no more pain or sorrow, with friends & family … and all the fish you could ever want to catch! I’m not saying good bye - I’m saying “until I see you again!” I love you, Pop!
Don and I worked together in Training at PSEG Nuclear for many years. We worked side by side, especially during inprocessing, scheduling scaffolding that he taught. I would contact him daily on how many contractors we have today, who passed and who failed. No matter how hectic things became, Don never seemed to show frustration. He always remained calm, patient and willing to help wherever needed.
One of the things I will always remember is our conversations about Ocean City, NJ. Every time I came back from vacation, Don would ask how my trip was and then inevitably ask, "Did you stop by Frog Hollow Donuts?" I have never heard of this place. I said No, where is it. If you've never been, it's located on Route 50 in Ocean View, NJ and you better check their hours before you go because they're only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For years, my daughter and I talked about going, but always seemed to miss it. Finally, one year we got up early and made the trip. Don had warned me, "You have to get there early or you'll miss the sticky buns." He was absolutely right. We finally got them and they were delicious. I remember telling him we finally made it there, and with a smile he said, "Told You!"
It's the little conversations and memories like these that stay with us. Don was a wonderful coworker and friend who left a lasting impression on so many people. Don, you earned your wings. Thank you for the memories, laughs, the advice and your steady presence through the busiest of days.
It is with sadness that I write about Don in the past tense. Most of my memories are from working with Don, where he excelled at having his students learn. What stands out to me and everyone he had contact with was his kindness. Don Callahan was a “kind man”. Thank you for all our living memories.
Mike Fagan
Don dedicated time every year to teaching boys how to fly fish just as he was taught as a lad. A man of strong faith. He spoke the truth without hurting your feelings. If he thought his way was better he would start off with , “You appear to be over 21…” or “here’s your nugget”
He liked the auction where he could find bargains. He told me, one day, everything we own will be in a box for $25.
A couple of pictures and a poem he enjoyed while at camp.
BY WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE
An old man going a lone highway,
Came, at the evening cold and gray,
To a chasm vast and deep and wide.
Through which was flowing a sullen tide
The old man crossed in the twilight dim,
The sullen stream had no fear for him;
But he turned when safe on the other side
And built a bridge to span the tide.
“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near,
“You are wasting your strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day,
You never again will pass this way;
You’ve crossed the chasm, deep and wide,
Why build this bridge at evening tide?”
The builder lifted his old gray head;
“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,
“There followed after me to-day
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been as naught to me
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be;
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!”
I am writing this to say goodbye. Thank you to this amazing man and mentor. Although I only knew you through the lens of fishing, I know you were well respected and well liked by all who met you. You took me in as a stranger and taught me better than anyone ever could.
You will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Your teachings will live on through myself and the others you inspired throughout life. I strive to follow in those footsteps myself and teach others just as you taught me.
Thank you Don.
It's shocking. I was just with you three weeks ago at brotherhood camp. I'm gonna miss you. Don was not only a great friend. You were also a wonderful person. We worked together. We played together and we just had a lot of fun. You help get my grandson into the brotherhood and able to see him graduate with the master's. Don you're always by the book and always thorough. We worked as peers and i never saw you get angry. You always held your temper.You where a wonderful man. I will find you in heaven when I get there, I know where to look, the finest trout stream and im sure you will have a couple of woolie buggers for bait.
I will miss you dearly.
Your friend
David L Ashby
