Leo was born on October 28, 1931 in Quincy, Massachusetts. He attended Stigmatine Fathers Seminary School for 1.5 years before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1951. He was accepted into Aviation Cadet Program with a commission, earning his wings. He served as a fighter pilot for Tactical Air Command including an assignment at the Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB. Leo served in Vietnam from October 1966 to April 1967 in the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat RTAFB, Thailand, and he flew 100 combat missions over North Vietnam in the F-105D aircraft. Leo had the distinction of serving in the first operational F-100 Tactical Fighter Wing in Europe at Bitburg AFB Germany in 1956 and the last F-100 Wing at RAF Lakenheath, England in 1972. Leo’s love of flying was obvious to friends and family who enjoyed his wonderful stories from his long and inspiring career.
After retiring from the Air Force in 1980, he embarked on a second career in real estate for Goodman Segar Hogan in Hampton, Virginia for ten years. In retirement, he was a dedicated volunteer, delivering Meals on Wheels to seniors and driving for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for many years. Leo was an avid golfer for most of his life. He had a passion for flying, and so in retirement, he enjoyed outings in his RANS S-12 experimental aircraft and spending time with his flying club, the Southeast Virginia Light Aircraft Flyers. He took many family members, friends, and other individuals flying in this plane. Many events including fly-ins and picnics were held at New Quarter Farm Airport in Gloucester, Virginia, where he was a regular presence.
Leo is survived by his wife of 59 years, Arleen Lohr Callahan. The two met in Denver, Colorado and were married on October 24, 1959. They enjoyed extensive travel throughout the world during Leo’s Air Force career with assignments in Spangdahlem AFB Germany and RAF Lakenheath England. Leo and Arleen raised two children, Ann George and John.
Leo was preceded in death by his father, Jerimiah, and his mother, Marie, as well as his brother, John, and sister, Mary. He is also survived by his daughter, Ann (Abraham); son, John (Serena); his grandchildren, Brendan and Ian Callahan, and Ashley, Aidan, and Aaron George; and his sister, Sister Helen Callahan.
A celebration of Lt. Col. Callahan's life will be held 2:00 pm, Sunday, January 6, 2019 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home and Memorial Park. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held 10:00 am, Monday, January 7, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 414 Buckroe Avenue, Hampton, Virginia 23664. An inurnment will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date with full honors rendered by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, Virginia 23666.
