Fr. Nelson Callahan Dies at 85
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Ignatius High School Scholarship Fund or The University of Notre Dame, American Church History Archives.
In 60 years of priesthood, Rev. Nelson Callahan was a pastor, associate, college professor, diocesan archivist, author and most recently pastor of St. Raphael Parish in Bay Village for 28 years.
The Lakewood resident died Jan. 15, at 85 years old.
Callahan was the beloved son of the late Nelson J. and Mary (nee Mulholland) Callahan; loving brother of Dr. Kenneth (Joan) Callahan (both deceased) and Miriam (Gerald) Porter; dear uncle of The Hon. Kenneth Jr., Kevin, Christopher, Katherine and Collin Callahan and Miriam "Mimi", Dr. Mary Christine and Gerald Porter and great uncle of 11.
Funeral Mass is slated at the Communion of Saints Parish in St. Ann Church at 1 p.m. Jan. 19.
Vespers service slated to take place at the church at 3 p.m. Jan. 18 followed by public visitation until 8:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Ignatius High School Scholarship Fund or The University of Notre Dame, American Church History Archives.
Gorason G. Lloyd
12:41 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
I remember Father Callahan as our beloved priest during my grade school years at St. Agatha. He was a ray of light to all who knew him and now at 65 I still remember his smile and cheerfulness. He encouraged us to excel in both academics and sports and his involvement in our lives made a significant difference. The memory of Father Callahan and what he did for St. Agatha back in the 50’s will always be treasured.
Gorason G. Lloyd
Colin McEwen
12:43 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Thanks for sharing that memory, Gorason.
Jason
11:38 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
I remember him walking into the Zwilling Room at St. Raphael for our eighth grade confirmation class with a cigarette in his hand. Those were the days.
Jim Whitley
1:21 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
I first met Father Callahan while attending St. Raphael School in the 70's. I fondly recall one of his funny sermons that had nothing to do with the day's gospel reading from his early days as a young priest and the pastor's gun at the rectory that he couldn't resist trying out. He used to give me the keys to the gym so I could go in and practice. Never would happen these days. I, too, always recall him having the cigarette going. Father Callahan was such a wonderful guy. The best..
Mary Ann Soltis
12:10 pm on Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I remember Father as my professor at St. John's College. He was wonderful. I now remember his thoughts on Heaven. I pray he is now enjoying his rewards with His Father. God bless you Father.