Walter Callahan, Jr.

Walter Ring Callahan, Jr., age 92, of Wakefield, died peacefully on Thursday, June 23rd, at Melrose Wakefield Hospital surrounded by his family.

Born in Pittsfield, MA, on July 16, 1929, he was the son of the late Walter R. and Agnes (Salmon) Callahan.

Walter was a graduate of St. Joseph's High School in Pittsfield. He enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. He started a lifelong career as a technician with New England Telephone and later retired from AT&T. He always shared stories about his days working over at MIT and Harvard University installing their phone systems. His co-workers called him "tiny tears", as he loved a good laugh.

Walter is survived by his wife MaryEllen (Sullivan) Callahan, his two sons' Paul and his wife Lori of New Albany, Ohio and Brian and his wife Lisa of Wakefield, his daughter Marybeth Shinney, and her husband David of Wakefield, his nine grandchildren; Lindsay, Danielle, Amanda, Kelsey, Jack, Sophia, Audrey, Mia and Emma, his sisters-in-law; Theresa Pinette, Elizabeth McCormick, Maryann Sullivan, Meredith Sullivan and his brother-in-law James Sullivan. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Walter was predeceased by his sister Helen Kelly, his brother John "Jack" Callahan and his brother-in-law's Neil Sullivan, William Pinette, William McCormick and James Kelly and his sister-in-law Cheryl Callahan.

A devoted family man first, Wally was a handyman who loved home projects, going out to dinner, and watching basketball. He stayed up watching every Celtics playoff game no matter what time it ended and was hoping to see one more championship. He enjoyed his family vacations to Hampton Beach and rides to Maine in the summer. He was an incredibly proud and supportive grandfather, who enjoyed watching and hearing stories about them playing basketball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, golf and dance.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Avenue, Wakefield on Tuesday June 28th from 4-7pm. Walter's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion Street, Wakefield on Wednesday June 29th at 10AM. Interment, Forest Glade Cemetery, Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, 1702 E. Highland Ave #400, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

Tuesday, June 28
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave
Wakefield, MA 01880

Wednesday, June 29
10:00 AM

St. Joseph Church
173 Albion St.
Wakefield, MA 01880