Obituary of Donald Callahan

It is with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of Donald Callahan, a Rockaway resident who was called from this life at age 72. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather and will be dearly missed.

Donald was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to Donald and Arlene Callahan and was raised there alongside his 3 sisters. After high school, Donald decided to further his education by earning a bachelor’s degree in geology from Jersey City State University. He then used this degree to become an environmental engineer for General Public Utilities. He worked for GPU tirelessly for over 30 years before changing careers to join Skanska as a program developer. Donald was an extremely hard worker and viewed each day as a blessing, taking pride in his work to provide for his family.

When he wasn’t working, Donald was a devoted husband to his wife, Clo, and an exemplary father to his son, Donny. He would wind up coaching Donny in several sports growing up, never missing a game and was incredibly proud of Donny’s accomplishments as a scholar athlete at Rutgers University. Donald also had a few hobbies that he liked to indulge in. He was an avid collector, woodworker and handy man. He collected antique coins, rare rocks and fossils, as well as sports memorabilia.  He liked to tinker and could create beautiful pieces of furniture or even fix your television or computer with no issue. He was also a huge car enthusiast. From classic cars to American muscle; Donald had a passion for mechanical engineering and enjoyed attending car shows. He loved going on rides with Clo in one of his favorites, his burgundy 1965 Ford Mustang.

Though this smart, inquisitive, caring, and hardworking man has left us, we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace. He leaves behind his family and friends to continue on his legacy of kindness and warmth. Donald’s survivors include his wife, Clo Callahan, his son, Donny Callahan and his wife Diana, his grandchildren, Desmond and Mae Callahan, his siblings, Shirley Bayes (the late Bill), Beth Bak (Michael), his step-mother, Sheila Callahan and her children Kathy and Dave, as well as a wealth of extended family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers whose lives have been forever impacted by this remarkable man.  

If you would like to contribute to Donald’s memory yourself, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

              Hours of public visitation for Donald are scheduled for Thursday, December 28^th from 3 to 7 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services in Denville, NJ. A Funeral Service will take place at 6:30 PM during the visitation. All are welcome to come and celebrate Donald’s life, and in the meantime please leave a condolence, share a memory or light a candle to let Donalds light continue to shine.