George Andrew Callahan

George A Callahan passed away on May 8, 2023, leaving a piece of his heart with each member of his family. He was a rough and tough Marine on the outside and a gentle loving man in his heart and soul. He fought for many years through various cancers, dementia, and PTSD. He will be missed.

George was born on September 2, 1947, in New York City. He spent his early childhood in Spartanburg, South Carolina and Indianapolis, Indiana while his father was on assignment for the FBI before relocating to Yonkers, New York. George attended St. Eugene’s Elementary School, Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains and continued his education at Herbert H. Lehman College.

George served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1966-1969. Following training in Paris Island, Camp Lejeune, and Montford Point, George studied the Vietnamese language in Monterey, California. He was then stationed in Chu-Lai with the 1st Marine Division. Upon returning to the States, George was stationed in Cherry Point, North Carolina. He spoke little of his time in the service but believed that the Marine Corps helped to set his path in life.

George spent thirty years in the awning industry as owner of The Awning Man. His work could often be spotted in the background of many films and shows throughout New York which made him proud. In retirement George worked for The DiVosta Corporation in Naples, Florida.

George was also a 36 year “Friend of Bill”. He carried the message throughout New York and Florida. He brought meetings to local jails and was a frequent advocate in “drug court”, a speaker at Hazelton, and was volunteer of the year in 2015 for the David Lawrence Center.

Of all the things in his life, George’s family was the most important to him. His parents, James Callahan and Ann O’Donnell Callahan, and his younger sister Laurie, preceded him in death. He enjoyed a close relationship with his sister Ann Foley and her husband John. He married his best friend and love Cathy Baggott in 1970 and shared almost 53 years together. They lost their son James at a year old to a virus. They are blessed to have three daughters Brandy Callahan, Kerry Mammola, and Alexis Rivera.

George’s greatest joy was being Poppy to his nine grandchildren. He loved carrying them on his shoulders, doing school and Scout projects, fishing, going on the boat with them and reading them stories. He was incredibly proud of all of them and loved each one of them for themselves. He will be missed by Mackenzie Callahan, Kalani Siler, Riley and Max Rivera, Jac Callahan, Connor, Mikaela, Logan and Gavin Mammola.

George was quick to strike up a friendship, loved to tell stories and always spoke his mind. George believed in giving a “hand up” and was always willing to help. He had a heart of gold and loved his family unconditionally. He had a great sense of gratitude for all he had. We will honor his legacy by continuing to live with love, openness to change, acceptance of difficult challenges as opportunities to learn, with faith and gratitude.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, May 19th from 5pm to 8pm at Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home, 577 E Elkcam Circle, Marco Island.