Hugh P. Callahan, Sr.

At the close of a vibrant eighty-six years of life, Hugh Patrick Callahan Sr. silently slipped through the veil in the wee hours of Friday, October 7, 2022. Although his departure was tranquil, those who knew him would never predict his arrival on the other side as anything less than spirited. Clad in naught but his wit and devotion, he thus gained the answers to all the questions humanity ever sought from the heavens. Hugh was born in February 1936 to immigrants from the north of Ireland. His father, also Hugh, came from the townland of Ardinawark, Co. Donegal, in 1914 and Americanized the family name by removing the "g" from Callaghan in 1917. The linguistic transition from Irish to English in the latter half of the 1800s eliminated the "Ó" prefix. Bridget "Anna" Mackin was young Hugh's mother. She migrated to Toledo in 1916 from The Dorsey in south Armagh, joining her sister Mary, wife of Cornelius "Con" Collins, himself an Irish immigrant and early Lucas County real estate developer. By now, Hugh has delighted in a joyous reunion with Shirley, his wife, his parents, and three siblings who predeceased him—John J. "Jack" Callahan, of local courthouse fame; Rosemary "Posy" McHugh; and Margaret "Peggy" LaFayette, of Bowling Green. A fourth sibling, Kathryn Craig, remains among us. God willing, Katie will attain the age of 100 next June. Central Catholic graduated Hugh in 1954, and he earned an Associate Degree in drafting from the University of Toledo. He was active in his high school class's social events until recently. For decades, Hugh operated Alt Control Print (ACP) as a manufacturer's rep in the business forms industry. Fondness for Irish setters stemmed from Hugh's childhood companion, "Chum," who fetched Hugh home from Gesu School daily. Beginning in the 1980s, Hugh and Shirley raised several setters, joined the Irish Setter Club of America, and prowled the national dog show circuit with their daughter, Erin, who continues on the path. Hugh was married to Shirley Schmidt for fifty-nine years until Parkinson's Disease claimed her life in 2017. The affliction proved a test of Hugh's character and stamina. He remained her dedicated caregiver from diagnosis to demise, fulfilling his promise to her: "in sickness and in health." Hugh is survived by his dear friend Molly Kelley, his children, Hugh Jr., Joe (Sandra), and Erin, and four grandchildren. An enormous clan—all descendants of Hugh's parents—thrives in the United States. Many close relatives live in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Britain, and Australia. Visitation will be at Gesu Church at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 17, with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:00. Interment will be private. The family asks that instead of flowers, donations be made to "Agility Angels," a program of The Ability Center of Greater Toledo (abilitycenter.org). Please view Hugh's video tribute and leave a condolence message for the family at CoyleFuneralHome.com. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. The Callahan family would like to thank all those who wished us well and helped us during Hugh’s long malaise. We thank the many caregivers at Flower and Toledo Hospitals, Sunset Village of Sylvania, and Promedica Hospice and Amada Senior Care while Hugh was at home.

Tributes

Hugh P. Callahan, Sr.

February 13, 1936 - October 7, 2022