Joseph S. Callahan

Attorney Joseph S. Callahan, age 80, of Fall River, passed away peacefully Friday, December 25, 2015 surrounded by the love of his family in Charlton Memorial Hospital. He was the beloved husband of the late Dale A. (Hutchinson) Callahan whom he was married to for 35 years.

Born in Fall River, the son of the late Joseph and Anita (LaFlamme) Callahan, he was a lifelong resident of the city until a few years ago he resided at the Somerset Ridge Center. Joe was a 1953 graduate of Coyle and Cassidy High School in Taunton, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering in 1958 from Bradford Durfee Technical Institute and he earned his Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 1967.

Attorney Callahan practiced law in the city of Fall River from 1967 until his retirement in 1999. During this time he also worked as a Mechanical Engineer for Aetna Life and Casualty Insurance serving Southeastern Mass until 1984. He owned two night clubs, Cabaret in Westport and Carousel in Tiverton. He was a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, a ten year champion of the Quequechan Club Men’s Bowling League, enjoyed playing handball at the Boys Club, and coached both sons’ Milliken Youth Basketball teams. His greatest pride and joy was his children and grandchildren and his time spent with them was cherished and full of laughter and love.

He is survived by his four children: Jane E. Callahan and fiancé Richard L. Picard, Lizabeth A. McDonald and her husband Brian, Joseph S. Callahan Jr. and his wife Audra and Daniel J. Callahan all of Fall River; four grandchildren Brian P. and John-Paul McDonald and Abigail A. and Catherine D. Callahan; two brothers Patrick Callahan of Somerset, Douglas Callahan and his wife Jacqueline of Titusville, FL; a sister Anita Dutra of New Bedford; and nieces Maureen Dalesio and Melissa Panchley and nephews Stephen Karam and the late Michael Callahan . Atty. Callahan was also the brother of the late Stephen Callahan.

Joe’s family sincerely thanks Somerset Ridge Center for their exceptional care. They are eternally grateful for the love you gave him and the respect you showed him.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 9AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Cherry Place 178 Winter St., Fall River followed by his Funeral Mass at 10AM in Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover St., Fall River. Visiting hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 7PM. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the BCC Foundation, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River, MA 02720. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River. To send a tribute or for directions please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com