SFC Keith A. Callahan, US Army
January 24, 2007
US Army
Iraq War Veteran
SFC KEITH A. CALLAHAN, US ARMY – Age 31, killed in action in Iraq, January 24th, of Fayetteville, NC, formerly of Woburn. Beloved husband of Dody (Baker) Callahan. Devoted father of Tyler, Devin, Brady & Brooke. Loving son of Joan (Haverty) Callahan of Woburn and the late Russell Callahan. Dear brother of Russell of NH, David, Stephen, Mark, and Barbara, all of Woburn, Jerry of Wilmington, Joan O’Brien of NH. Grandson of the late William and Cecilia Haverty and Bernard and Barbara Callahan. Also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. A funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn, on Wednesday, January 31st, at 11 a.m. The family will be receiving relatives and friends at St. Charles Church on Tuesday from 3 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Pennsylvania later this week. Donations may be made in Sgt. Callahan’s memory to the Children of Keith Callahan Educational Fund, c/o Sovereign Bank, 19 Pleasant Street, Woburn, MA 01801. Arrangements are by the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn.
OBITUARY:
Sgt. First Class Keith A. Callahan, 31, a long time Woburn resident, died on Wednesday, January 24th, of wounds suffered when an explosive device detonated while he was conducting combat patrol south of Baghdad, Iraq. He was the beloved husband of Dody (Baker) Callahan.
Born in Winchester, Keith was the loving son of Joan (Haverty) Callahan and the late Russell Callahan. He grew up in Woburn, attending the Clapp Elementary School, Daniel L. Joyce Middle School, and Woburn High School, Class of 1993. While in high school he was very active in sports, participating in baseball, wrestling and football.
Following high school Keith enlisted in the United States Army, and first arrived in Georgia for his bootcamp training. Following bootcamp he then went to Ft. Bennington, Georgia, where he was involved in the Basic Airborne Course. Following this training he then reported to the 82nd Airborne Division and was assigned as a fire team leader in 2nd Bn., 325th AIR. Sgt. Callahan had three previous deployments with the Second Brigade in support of “Operation Iraqi Freedom.”
He had been described as “much more than a paratrooper; he was a warrior that embodied the spirit of freedom.” Over the last seven years he had been the recipient of the following medals, awards and decorations: the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation, the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Expert Infantry Badge and the Ranger Tab and Senior Parachutists Badge.
At the time of his death his sole concern was for the welfare of his men, as he had deliberately posted himself at a critical road crossing to act as an additional security element to ensure the security of his platoon.
Sgt. Callahan had a great love of family. Growing up he was one of eight children, who were “all for one and one for all.” His best friends were his brothers and sisters, with whom he shared many happy times through out his life. Since he became a member of the United States Army, he was in constant contact with his mother, assuring her that he was taking good care of all of us. While in Iraq his mother would send “care” packages over to him there, which he shared with his fellow troops, and then he began to receive packages from the Goodyear and Clapp School students as well as “residents of Hiawatha Road” He was absolutely thrilled and proud that members of his community would take the time to remember him over there in such a loving, kind and generous way.
His wife and children were his heart and soul. When he was not serving on tour, he spent every waking hour with his wife and children. His children Tyler, age twelve, Devin, age seven, and twins Brady and Brooke, age four, were the loves of his life, and he will will be sadly missed by all.
Keith was the grandson of the late William and Cecilia Haverty and Bernard and Barbara Callahan.
Along with his wife, mother, and children, he leaves five brothers: Russell of New Hampshire, David, Stephen, and Mark, all of Woburn, and Jerry of Wilmington, and two sisters: Barbara of Woburn and Joan O’Brien of New Hampshire. Also surviving are many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn, on Wednesday, January 31st, at 11 a.m. The family will be receiving relatives and friends at St. Charles Church on Tuesday from 3 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Pennsylvania later this week.
Donations may be made in Sgt. Callahan’s memory to the Children of Keith Callahan Educational Fund, c/o Sovereign Bank, 19 Pleasant Street, Woburn, MA 01801. Arrangements by the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn.
Joan and family,
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your son Keith.
Living on the cape I don’t often hear until the services have ended.
I can’t imagine what it must be like for all of you, Thank you Joan for having a wonderful and brave son that gave his life for all of us.
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Jeannette (Miner) Scalese
Dody, Joan, and family,
Words can’t express the sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Keith has touched us all.
God Bless!,
Charlie Culhane
To the Callahan Family,
I was very sad when I heard the news of Keith’s passing. I didn’t really know Keith well but was friendly with Steven back in high school. The more I read the Daily Times and Boston Globe articles I realized how lucky we are and how proud we should be of Keith for his sacrifice for us to live the free lives we live. I will keep you all in my prayers.
God Bless Keith, A TRUE HERO!!
Sincerely,
Brian Donovan
Joan you are in our prayers and we are sorry to hear of Keith sudden death. May god bless you and your family in there time of need.
Phyllis and Karen Glover
Dody, Joan, and family,
Words can’t express the sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Keith has touched us all.
God Bless!,
Charlie Culhane
I wish I could take the pain away for the Callahan family. It’s very sad that you lost someone who was so special. Thank you Keith for fighting for our freedom. You are a hero in my eyes.
Your wife and children now have a guardian angle to protect them.
WHS class 1993 Ronda (Caliri) Pino
A light that shined so bright in life has joined the stars that shine each night!!
God Bless you and your family…
I graduated with Keith in 1993. Although I did not get to know him very well, I am deeply saddened to hear of his loss. My condolences go out to his family. He is a true American Hero and will never be forgotten.
Mayra (Hernandez) Alvalle
DIANNE CARBONE
AS I LOOK A KEITH’S PICTURE IN UNIFORM, I CAN’T HELP BUT SEE THE PRIDE IN HIS EYES, THE STRENGTH IN HIS SMILE. A TOUGH TEAM PLAYER @ WHS, ON THE FIELD AND MAT.TO READ ALL KEITH ACCOMPLISHED AS AN AMERICAN SOLDIER IS BEYOND MEASURE.A TRUE WARRIOR. A TRUE HERO IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD. TO HIS WIFE, WHO I WITNESSED FIRST HAND MAINTAIN THE STRENGTH MANY OF US WILL NEVER HAVE TO BEAR. A VERY PROUD SOLDIER’S WIFE. MAY HIS STRENGTH FOREVER BE YOURS.
TO HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS, YOU MUST BE SO PROUD OF YOUR LITTLE BROTHER. I AM SURE HE LOOKED UP TO YOU ALL SO MANY TIMES, NOW YOU CAN ALWAYS LOOK UP TO HIM. WHAT AN HONOR IT IS TO HAVE KEITH AS A BROTHER. TO HIS MOM, WHO GAVE HIM LIFE, MAY YOU ALWAYS FEEL HIS LOVING ARMS AROUND YOU WHEN YOU NEED A HUG, AS HE HAS ALWAYS FELT YOURS WHEN HE NEEDED ONE. THANK YOU ALL, WITH A VERY HEAVY HEART, FOR YOUR SCARIFICE
I graduated with Keith in 1993. I was saddened to hear of his loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Keith dedicated his life to protecting us and our country, he is an American Hero.
“May God bless you and keep you safe, Keith….you are home”
From: Captain Chad Carbone, USMC
My heartfelt condolences go out to Keith’s wife Dody, and children Tyler, Devin, Brady and Brooke. Keith and I played baseball and wrestled together at Woburn High School, and I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Keith was someone you could always count on in a tough situation, and is someone I would have wanted by my side in a combat. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Our Sincere Condolences,
Chad, Amy, Wesley & Nathan Carbone
May God be with you and also to Keith’s family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Agnes (Riley) Singelais
(Classmate, Joan)
Mrs.Brandi Muir
75 Silsbee St.
Apt.#207
Lynn,MA 01901
As a member of the St.Charles
Choir,my deepest sympathy and
blessings will always be with
you.There is one verse from the
hymn “Amazing Grace” that I hope
shall comfort you in this difficult time of sorrow.”THE LORD HAS PROMISED GOOD TO ME.HIS WORD,MY HOPE SECURES.HE WILL MY SHIELD AND PORTION BE,AS LONG AS LIFE ENDURES.”I feel this verse makes sense because he’ll always protect you.GOD BLESS YOU&KEEP YOU ALWAYS!
With deepest sympathy,
Brandi
Caroline Kitidis
I graduated with Keith in 1993, he was a friend throughout high school. I will always have the utmost respect for Keith for putting his life at risk to protect the lives of all of us.
To Keiths family, I hope you can find solice in the fact that he left this world doing better for his country and what he loved.
He is a true hero and will be remembered always in our hearts.
Renee Michelle Moore
I met Keith when I was 10 years old. We were on the same ice hockey team many years and continued to be friends through Jr. High and High School.
Even as a child, Keith had that protective instinct. I was the only girl in the hockey league and if anyone “checked” me, Keith went out of his way to protect me and make sure they thought twice about it even if they were a lot bigger than he was. It is no surprise to me to learn that Keith continued that same role in protecting our country and his fellow soldiers even in the most dangerous of situations; putting others before himself. I am grateful for his service to our country and very proud of him.
My thoughts and prayers are with Keith’s wife, children and his friends and family during this truly sad loss.
Keith you are an inspiration to us all and will not be forgotten.
With Love Always,
Renee Michelle Moore
Sandie (Haverty)and Don Powers
We cannot tell you how sad we were to hear about your son Joan. I cry as I write this because of your loss. His family had a love that few have, and I know that you all will miss him. My whole family is grateful that we are free because of people like Keith.
You are in our hearts. Love your cousin Sandie
To the Callahan Family:
I graduated with Keith in 1993. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Such an amazing man will never be forgotten – he served to make the world a better place. Keith is a true hero. My thoughts & are prayers are with his wife & children.
My deepest sympathy,
Carmen (Colon) Davis
Keith was so beautiful and brave and I will never forget him With Love and Respect for you and your family always, Lisa Provinzano
Marion Ferlisi Amescua, So sorry to hear of his passing, our prayers are with you Joan and his family at this time. God keep you strong.
Marion Ferlisi Amescua
Joyce Lally
Joan my prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of great sorrow.
Jim and Betty Sullivan ( Wolfeboro N.H. )
Betty and I are so sorry of hearing about your loss. May God be with you all, and carry you through this time of sorrow.
Sisters of Notre Dame all over the
world have read of Keith’s passing and promise their prayers for all
in the family and for Keith.
May his gift of life further the
possibility of war ending and peace starting throughout this
world.
Sister Barbara Beauchamp
classmate of Joan Haggerty Callahan,Class of 1954 St.Charles
To the Callahan Family,
I am so sad to hear about Keith’s passing. I graduated w/ Keith, and although I didn’t know him very well in High School, I have been learning more & more about all his wonderful accomplishments in his life. He was a dedicated soldier and his family should be very proud. My thoughts & prayers are with his wife & children. We have truly lost a great hero.
Diana (English) Thompson
thank you and god bless.
the sherburne family
I learned of SFC Callahan’s death from his cousin and my work colleague, Bob Landry.
Bob is extremely proud of his cousin as he should be. SFC represents the finest of the United States Army.
SFC Callahan leaves a wonderful family — may his wife and children find comfort and strength in the days ahead; my family’s prayers include the Callahn family.
Alan Day
Burlington, Vermont
Words can’t express the devastation and sorrow I felt when I heard of Keith’s death.
My thoughts are with his family. Although I have never met his wife and children, my heart breaks for them and my prayers are with them and this tragic time.
We all lost a great friend friend and a true hero.
Joie (Salemi) Walsh
Renee Martin (Battaglia)
I graduated with Keith in 1993, he was one of my good friends throughought my jr. high and high-school years.
While I have great sympathy for the loved ones that Keith has left behind. I have the utmost respect for him and what he has done for our country. In not only my eyes but in everyones Keith will be remembred as a True Fallen Hero.
With Deepest Regrets,
Renee
My is Steven S. Mojica.
I knew Keith in High School and He was great person. He was a great character and as a soldier myself I understand his sacrifice but let us remember him for the great things he accomplish. He is a falling hero but not forgotten.
SGT Mojica, Steven
Worcester MA 01606
THANKS KEITH FOR YOU SERVICE IN THE US ARMY.AND FOR KEEPING US SAFE OVER HERE. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.JIM DOWNEY BILLERICA MA
I’m so sorry for your loss. I graduated with Keith from Woburn High 1993. I have read what a dedicated soldier Keith had become. My thoughts and prayers to his family, his wife and his children. I’m very proud to say I graduated with such a hero. Keith will never be forgotten in Woburn.
Jen Gelvez (Chuisa)
IM SO SAD OF HEARING OF KEITHS PASSING MAY GOD BE WITH HIM
GOD KEEP YOU WITH HIM FOREVER KEITH
TO HIS FAMILY I PRAY FOR YOU TO BE STRONG.
RICHARD SAVOIE FORMLY OF WOBURN
NOW IN ARIZONA
4101 E LOUISE DR
PHOENIX AZ 85032
JAMES & SANDRA ANDERSON
WE ARE TRULY SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR SON. OUR THOUGHT’S AND OUR PRAYER’S ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME.
JIM,SANDY ANDERSON
1415 MAIN ST #274
LAKE HAVEN
DUNEDIN,FL. 34698
Patty Feeney Robinson
I’ve been so sad ever since I was notified of Keith’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I know he was a dedicated soldier who believed in his mission in the war.
Much Love,
Patty