Phillip Leroy Callihan

Phillip Leroy Callihan age 62 died January 27, 2014 at St. John Hospital in Detroit. Phillip was born October 18, 1951 in Detroit Michigan the son of the late Lance Callihan and the late Alma (nee: Gifford) Callihan.Phil was born and raised on the eastside of Detroit where he was a proud student & classmate at Denby High School. Following high school, he began working for a company called Associated Electroplating where his expertise was in plating parts for the auto show, a job in which he was quite proud of his output and performance. Eventually, Phil's career path took a different direction within the automotive industry as he went to work for Ford Motor Company and experienced assignments in both its Chesterfield and Sterling Heights plants. For 22 years, he extended the utmost in dedicated and loyal service to the Blue Oval Giant.Though Phil achieved many wonderful heights in his working career, he'd be the first to share that his greatest achievement was in raising the 4 boys entrusted to his care, his treasured sons. As they grew and became involved in their respective sporting venues, Phil was truly the supportive and engaged Dad. He attended each sporting event, and banked days off at work just to make sure he wouldn't miss one. Being a lover and avid participant of baseball throughout his own life, it simply became a natural progression for him to bolster the same with his boys. For 36 years, Phil was well known as one of the famed coaches with the Warren Youth Baseball League, and coached each of his sons as they came along. During that time, he also spent 6 years as an umpire for the league as well. Throughout his coaching years, he was never the kind of person who sought accolades or praise. He simply found great enjoyment and satisfaction in watching young men mature into adults, and always sought to do whatever he could to help in that process and be their mentor along the way.Aside from his sporting ventures with the youth, Phil was also known for being quite the sports enthusiast himself,…especially when it came to the U of M, where he was a season ticket holder. In his heart & soul, Phil's spirituality was quite valued and important to him, and he read his Bible daily. But on the weekends, the familiar quip was that his Saturday's were his "Day of Religion," and Sunday's were the "Holy Day,"…with the "pews" being at the Big House in Ann Arbor. Along with his love of sports, Phil was also a Civil War buff who was intrigued by the history of that time in our country,…a fascination and interest that drew him to the infamous war site of Gettysburg, Virginia. He was also a huge into aviation and traveled the country to enjoy the many different air shows and exhibits, and was especially taken by his trip to the museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.Phil was also the proud owner of a Hog (the one with an engine, not a curly tail), and made many, wonderful memories with his brother on the long trips they shared riding their motorcycles throughout the eastern Unites States and the grandeur of the Appalachian Mountains. Also noted for having a great sense of humor,…he not only could dish it out with immense hilarity, he was also willing to be the butt of a joke and laugh at himself. With a generosity and kindness that went before him, Phil was the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back,…and once, quite literally, gave a needy soul that hat off his head. It's just the kind of guy he was to all.But when it came to giving, the most treasured benefactors in his life were his boys. Along with the normal fatherly events they shared, Phil managed to include such memorable highlights as the visit enjoyed together at the "Field of Dreams" in Iowa, the infamous "Yankee Stadium," and the home of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park. Of course, these were all just naturally intriguing sights for the baseball lovers he raised.Phil embodied an infectious personality that touched a multitude of hearts in many unique and genuine ways, and he was loved by all who were blessed to know him,…especially his Best Friend, Jerry Aiello. A friendship they knew since childhood, Jerry & Phil shared a host of great memories and built a close bond. One of the most profound was witnessing the final Space Shuttle launch together.His son's commented (and joked) about how Dad was always misplacing items,…namely, many of his tickets to sporting events. Son, Phil just happened to mention that he hopes Dad doesn't need a ticket at the Pearly Gates because he will forget where he left it.Mr. Callihan was the beloved husband of Gayle, and proud and loving father of Phil (Lisa) Callihan, Dell Callihan, Lance Callihan, and Ryan Callihan. He is also the cherished grandfather of Emma, Ava Belle, and dear brother of Patrick (Liz) Callihan. Mr. Callihan is also survived by many loving family members and friends, including best friend Jerry (Sharon) Aiello. Visitation for Phillip will be held on Friday, January 31st from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 12Noon at the funeral home. Please share memories of Phil at his memory book.