Patrick J. Callahan Sr.

Patrick Joseph “Pat” Callahan, Sr. of Centreville, Delaware, passed away peacefully at his home on September 6, 2024, surrounded by his family and his wife of 59 years, Mary Lou Dunn Callahan. Pat was born 82 years ago in Flint, Michigan. He is survived by his three children: Mary Grace Callahan Rome (Perrin), Katie Callahan Zamarra (Galen), and Patrick J. Callahan, Jr. (Jennifer). He was affectionately known as “Poppa” and was the first fishing and driving instructor for his grandchildren: Mary Callaghan Rome, Adelayde Grace Rome, Mary Madison Callahan DuPont (Scott), Connor Patrick Callahan, Eleanor Grace Zamarra, and Edward Joseph Zamarra. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Barbara Callahan Johnson, and was a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Welch Callahan and Irene McDonald Callahan, his sisters Jeanne Callahan and Mary Grace Callahan, and his brothers Thomas Callahan, James Callahan, and twin Michael Callahan.

After graduating from St. Matthew’s High School, Pat attended Benedictine College, where he played football until an injury sidelined him. Despite the setback, it gave him many stories about the “good ole days.” He later attended the University of Michigan and was known to belt out “Hail to the Victors,” the U of M fight song, at any mention of his alma mater. He was a member of the Sigma Pi Delta fraternity. Later, he worked for Procter & Gamble, General Motors, and several car dealerships throughout the U.S. There was never anyone more enthusiastic about selling you an American car (preferably a GM) than Pat. His career took him and his family to Michigan, Ohio, Delaware, Louisiana, and Maryland. In every state, he quickly made dear friends, accumulating more tall tales and adventures that those who knew him still share today. The only thing Pat enjoyed more than adventure was retelling the stories, often requiring a bit of fact-checking as the years passed. His favorite stories were about his childhood in Flint, his Irish heritage, his college days, his time with GM, and, most importantly: his faith, family and friendships.

Pat was also a member of several choral organizations and participated in performances on the Northshore, in Covington, Louisiana. He was a proud member of the Flint Elks Club.

Pat’s mischievous Irish wit and warm smile will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was generous with his time, always willing to help, whether it was building a deck or assisting with a cross-country move (often accompanied by a rendition of every John Denver song). His love of Sunday drives, road trips, and his famous rib recipe will be cherished by his family forever.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph on the Brandywine on September 21, 2024, at 10:00 am, with a private family interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Manresa House of Retreats (https://www.manresala.org/retreats/donations), Delaware Hospice (https://delawarehospice.org/donate/memorial-gifts/), or any charity that is meaningful to you. A memorial will also take place in New Orleans at a later date.