Obituary of Patrick Francis Callahan Sr.
Patrick Callahan, 81 of Westlake, Ohio went to be with Jesus, on Friday, August 8, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. He had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 Non Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Patrick was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania on July 22, 1939. He was one of fifteen children born to Vincent and Ruth (Hughes) Callahan. The family moved to Cleveland, Ohio when he was 10. He would continue to live in the area for the next 65 years, where he married, worked hard, raised his family, and enjoyed life. Patrick married Rachelle Perry, October 5, 2002, she preceded him in death, January 30, 2004.
Patrick, was a very unique individual, with a great sense of humor. He was a great singer and dancer, the life of every party, with his upbeat personality.
He was extremely proud of his Irish heritage and was also a true American patriot. He loved our country, and always proudly displayed its flag at home and on his motorcycle. He attended high school in Cleveland and earned his GED in the United States Army, enlisting on September 7, 1956, and serving in Korea. He was honorably discharged on July 21, 1960. Patrick was a member of the Moose, American Legion and VFW Post 9871, in North Ridgeville, Ohio where he proudly served in the Honor Guard for several years.
Patrick was a very hard working, strong family man, taking his family on camping trips all over the country. He was an extremely hands on guy, a back-yard mechanic for years. He worked as an auto mechanic for the City of Cleveland Police Department until his retirement in 2000.
Patrick was always very athletic participating in various sports and keeping physically fit throughout his life. He said he took care of his body when he was young so his body would take care of him when he got old.
Patrick married Jo Ann Lambert on October 15, 2016, in Monroe, Michigan. He and Jo Ann spent the winters in Florida where he would continue to enjoy his favorite things, dancing, singing karaoke and riding his motorcycle. Patrick loved Jesus and never hesitated to share his faith. Each day, Patrick, would quote Psalms 118:24, “This is the day that the Lord hath made and we will rejoice and be glad in it.”, and he always was. He lived life one day at a time and made the best of each one.
In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by eleven siblings, and his second wife Rachelle. To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife Jo Ann of Monroe, Michigan; daughter Patricia (Ted) Shular, five sons John (Karla) Callahan, Patrick F. Callahan Jr, Joseph Callahan, Kevin Callahan, and Christopher Callahan, seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; and one great-great grandson; sister: Pauline Ditrich, and brother: Edward Callahan, all of the Cleveland area; and sister: Ruth (Anthony) Antidormi of Pennsylvania; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends.
Michigan arrangements are under the direction of Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. Friends may gather on Saturday, August 15, 2020 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm at Merkle's. Guests are encouraged to follow all CDC Guidelines including the use of face masks. Funeral services will take place at 4:00pm with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138 presenting military honors followed by Pastor Rick Massingill of the North Monroe Street Church of God, where Jo Ann and Patrick attended.
He will then be transported to his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio to the Chambers Funeral Home, 29150 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070. Visitation will be from 3:00pm until 6:00pm on Sunday, August 16, 2020. A Mass of the Resurrection will take place at 10:00am on Monday, August 17, 2020 at The Church of St. Clarence, 30106 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070 where he was an active member for years, lending his strong Tenor voice to their choir.
Per his request he will be cremated and at a later date a celebration of life and a motorcycle procession will lead the way to Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, OH, where inurnment with Military honors will take place.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Disabled American Veterans or North Monroe Street Church of God Building Fund. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.