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Arthur Francis
Callahan
November 1, 1946 – May 5, 2026
To join livestream of Arthur's Funeral Mass, please click LINK.
Arthur Francis Callahan, age 79, passed peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of the late Eileen (McCarthy) Callahan, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage prior to her passing in 2020.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 1, 1946, Arthur was the youngest of five siblings born to the late John and Lillian (Keough) Callahan. He grew up in Somerville, surrounded by family and faith. His faith was a steady foundation throughout his life which guided him in the way he loved his family, treated others and showed up for the people around him. Following his school years at St. Clements Arthur proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, something he carried with great pride. When he came home, he began a long career in telecommunications, working for the New England Telephone Company. Once returning from the Marines, he met the love of his life, Eileen. Together they built a life rooted in love and family.
They married in 1971 and started in Cambridge before settling in Burlington in 1974, where they raised six children and built a home that was always full - of people, projects, sports, laughter and life. Arthur worked hard in every sense of the word. He provided for his family, earned his bachelor's degree by attending night classes, coached youth football and rarely missed a game, practice or important moment for his children. If something needed fixing, building or figuring out, Arthur was already on it.
In his free time, Arthur enjoyed golfing. Though he would be the first to admit he was not the best golfer, he cherished the camaraderie and friendships the game brought him. He loved spending time with his many friends, often meeting different groups each week for breakfast, coffee and good conversation.
To his grandchildren, he was "Grampie" a name he wore with pride and joy. Whether cheering them on, sharing a snack, or simply sitting together, those moments meant a lot to him. Arthur also enjoyed helping his children with home renovations and treasured the laughs that joined them. Many evenings ended simply and happily with a cup of tea, New England sports on television, and family close by.
Arthur will be remembered and deeply loved for his quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, unwavering generosity, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.
Arthur is survived by his six adoring children, Jeffrey Callahan and his wife Laurel of Billerica, Greg Callahan and his wife Ginny of Marshfield, Laura Callahan of New Jersey, Paul Callahan and his wife Stephanie of Salem, NH, Michael Callahan and his wife Silvia of Salem, NH, and Elizabeth Ganley and her husband Paul Jr. of Burlington; his cherished grandchildren, Shea, Keira, Declan, Piper, Jackson and Scarlett Callahan, and Mackenzie, Carli and Paul Ganley III; his sisters, Barbara Passalacqua of N. Carolina and Lillian Burke of Winchester, as well as many other dear relatives and friends.
Arthur was predeceased by his siblings Jack Callahan and Bernice DePietro, and his sister and brothers in law Jean Callahan, John Passalacqua and James DePietro.
The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Brightview's Wellspring Village and to the Beacon hospice team for the compassion, dignity and care they provided in Arthur's final years.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Thursday, May 14th from 4 pm until 7 pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 15th at 10 am at St. Margaret's Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington. Burial will follow in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Arthur's name may be made to Community Crossroads .
Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home
4:00 - 7:00 pm
Visits: 6
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