April 30, 1987 – March 9, 2021
Brendan Callaghan of Cleveland, Ohio, was a friend to all - fiercely loyal to his family and to his many close friends and admirers. He was the cherished only child of Lauren Hattenbach and Thomas O’Neil Callaghan. And he adored them both in return.
From an early age, Brendan’s rather quiet and shy manner belied his mischievous sense of humor. This polite, blonde little boy would suddenly erupt into peals of laughter that were soon shared and echoed by everyone in his company.
Brendan remained very close with many of his childhood friends from Gesu Parish School. He excelled as a student-athlete at University School, where he was a star lacrosse player, and later at Boston College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. But Brendan’s greatest strengths were his unfailing generosity of spirit and the warmth of his heart. To be in his presence was to feel loved.
In recent years, Brendan fought his own personal battles with great courage and tenacity, but also with humility and a strong faith in God. And along the way he assisted and inspired many others who are on their own journey toward recovery.
Brendan’s time with us was tragically cut short. But he lived bravely and loved completely - with his heart wide open to all of us. Brendan came into our lives for a reason. And because we knew him, we have all been changed. For the good.
Brendan is predeceased by his father, Tommy; his grandparents, Jack and Dorothy Callaghan; his grandmother, Joan “Grambe” Doyle; and his aunt, Anna Catherine “Casey” Callaghan. He is survived by his mother, Lori; his stepfather, Harry Hattenbach; his stepsisters Cherie and Cathy Hattenbach (Steve); Aunt Julia Doyle and Uncle Keven Doyle; his uncles Brian and John Callaghan; his aunts Dorothy Callaghan Gunn (John), Mary Christopher “Christy” Callaghan McLaughlin, and Susan Marie Callaghan; and dozens of cousins.
Brendan's Mass of Christian Burial will commence on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 10:30 at Church of the Gesu, 2470 Miramar Boulevard, University Heights, OH, 44118.
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