William "Bill" J. Callaghan

William Joseph Callaghan passed away in peace on Tuesday, September 4, 2018, age 91. He was the beloved husband of the late Helen Brupbacher Callaghan whom he was married to for 58 years. Father of Cathleen C. Joubert, James Callaghan, Patrick Callaghan & Clay Callaghan. Brother of Dorothy C. Katz (diseased) & Patricia C. Bowie. Grandfather of Christine Joubert Weimer, Erin Joubert, Renee Joubert, Megan Callaghan, Dylan Callaghan, Peyton Callaghan, Kassidy Callaghan, Chloe Callaghan & Sophie Callaghan. Great grandfather to Daniel Weimer IV, Charlotte Weimer & Audrey Weimer.

Our father grew up in New Orleans & graduated from Warren Easton High School at the age of 16. At 18 he enlisted in the army & was sent to Germany. He returned home to attend Tulane University on the GI Bill. With a degree in Geology he went to work for Pan American Petroleum Co as a field geologist for 7 years. He then returned home to New Orleans to marry Helen & start his family. He went back to Tulane to obtain another degree in Physics. He joined Kalvar Corporation in 1960. There he was instrumental in developing their photometrics laboratory & over the years developed multiple trade patents for Kalvar. Kalvar eventually moved their headquarters to California & although Bill was a dedicated Kalvar employee, he was more dedicated to his family. He decided to sacrifice his career for his family & stayed in New Orleans. He found work at Alback Corporation working for Helen’s brother, Benjamine Brupbacher.

When he retired from Albach at the age of 65, he rapidly became bored & went back to school at UNO. There he obtained a degree in Sociology followed by a Master’s degree. All the while, volunteering at East Jefferson General Hospital for over 20 years. When Helen retired at the age of 72, they both started to live life again with new friends they found while exploring their passion, dancing. They traveled, performed & “just danced” with their line dance group, the Honkey Tonk Stompers for many years. He was an involved parishioner at St. Angela Merici Church where he served as an usher and member of the Knights of Columbus until the age of 86.

Our father was a wonderful family man & loving husband. He loved playing tennis with everyone, golf with his sons, jogging with his daughter & dancing with all. Most of all, he loved his family. He lived a long life & was still very active until the last months of his life.

We are grateful for the wonderful care & compassion that was given to our father at Chateau Notre Dame Rehab Unit, Memory Care Unit & Hospice. There were so many who compassionately cared for my father that I cannot mention them all but please know that we all appreciate the care you gave him. He passed with dignity & in peace. We are certain he is now dancing with our mother in heaven.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Monday, September 10, 2018 at 1:00pm. Visitation will begin at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Lake Lawn Park and Mausoleum.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.