Brian T. Callahan of Andover, February 25. Born January 18, 1932 in Quincy, MA, the son of the late Daniel and Helen (Rock) Callahan. Brian is survived by his wife of 65 years, A. Loretta (Giammusso) Callahan of Andover, MA, and five children: Brian Jr. and his wife Stephanie of Westford, MA; Laura and Don Burnham of Brookline, MA; Michael and Kathleen Callahan of Marblehead, MA; Kathryn and George Thompson of Westborough, MA and Jennifer and John Davis of Westford, MA. He is also survived by his brother Edward Callahan and his wife Carol of East Hampton, MA, and his brother-in-law Michael Giammusso and his wife Martha of Andover, MA. Brian was predeceased by his brother Kevin Callahan and his wife Grace of Epping, NH, his brother Francis, and his sister Alice Lynch and her husband Martin “Chip” of Roslindale, MA. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren: Stephanie DuPreez and her husband Jacques of Orange, MA; Brian Callahan III of Westford, MA; Neal Callahan of Westford, MA; Jessica Karis and her husband Matt of Andover, MA; Carolyn Burnham of Somerville, MA; Meaghan DeSoto and her husband Jonathan of Marblehead, MA; Michael Callahan, Jr. and his wife Johanna of Danvers, MA; Taylor Callahan of Boston, MA; Garrett Callahan and his fiancé Meredith Dean of Swampscott, MA; George Brian Thompson and Lindsey Fries of Manchester, CT; Joseph Thompson of Westborough, MA; Paige Thompson of Westborough, MA and Paul Davis of Westford, MA. Also survived by four great-grandchildren, Jonathan “Jack” and Eleanor DeSoto of Marblehead, MA; Ilsa Callahan of Danvers and Alice DuPreez of Orange, MA. He was predeceased by his great-granddaughter Sarah DeSoto of Marblehead, MA. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Brian graduated from Mission Church High School in 1949 and attended Boston College on a four-year Cardinal Cushing Scholarship graduating in 1953 with an A.B. in Liberal Arts. While attending Boston College, he met the love of his life A. Loretta (“Laurie”) Giammusso at the Bal a Rue roller skating rink in Medford, MA. Brian and Laurie were married on September 18, 1954. Upon graduation from Boston College, Brian proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy. He attended Naval Officer’s Candidates School in Newport, RI. Brian served four years in the United States Navy, first assigned to the Cinclantfleet Norfolk VA (two years) and two years aboard the U.S.S. Antietam, CVS, an Essex class aircraft carrier. He was awarded the National Defense Ribbon during his service.
Upon receiving an honorable discharge in 1957, having achieved the rank of Lieutenant JG, Brian continued his education at Boston College Law School (1957-1960) where he excelled. He fondly recalled that his outstanding undergraduate education at Boston College and his experience in the Navy prepared him well for the rigors of law school. He graduated at the top of his law school class and was selected as a law clerk to the late R. Sanger Wilkins of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (1960-1961). Upon completion of his law clerkship at the SJC, Brian was associated with the law firm of Hutchins & Wheeler (1961-1963) when, in 1963, he accepted a full-time law professor position at Suffolk University Law School. Brian taught a variety of classes at Suffolk Law School including bankruptcy, secured transactions, and commercial law and was a co-author of a commercial law casebook. Brian retired from Suffolk Law School in August 1997 after 34 years, having prepared thousands of law students for the challenges of practicing law. His commitment and willingness to help his students continued long after graduation resulting in his developing several lifelong friendships with many former students. Brian continued to practice law after retirement including serving as special town counsel to several municipalities including Danvers, Medford and Wilmington.
Brian and Laurie raised their family in Medford where he also served as a member of the School Committee and City Council. Brian’s love for the law was surpassed only by his love for his family, especially his wife Laurie whom he cherished. He frequently remarked that she was the greatest wife and finest mother ever to grace the earth. His undying love for her was evident throughout his life, and her devotion to him during his final years as he battled Alzheimer’s was nothing short of remarkable. Brian will be fondly remembered for being a loving, supportive and generous father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St. Medford on Monday, March 2 at 10 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High St., Medford at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday 3-7 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Brian's name to Mission Grammar School Fund, 94 St. Alphonsus St., Mission Hill, MA 02120 (www.missiongrammar.org).