James F. Callanan

James F. Callanan, 82, of Norwood, formerly of Dedham for many years, passed away peacefully in Boston surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 23. Born in Boston, February 8, 1931, he was the son of the late Henry and Elizabeth (Gillis) Callanan He was the beloved husband for 57 years of Marie (Moore) Callanan of Norwood, the loving father of Joseph Callanan and his wife, Tina of Walpole, Daniel Callanan of Norwood, Mary Callanan of Norwood, Julie and her husband, Raymond Hart of Westwood, Paula and her husband, Edward Coffey of Westwood, John Callanan and his wife, Amy of Munroe, CT, and Beth and her husband, Israel Alvarez of Milton; cherished grandfather of Caitlin Marie and Joseph M. Callanan, Daniel, Jake, and James Callanan, Harry and Owen Hart, Maggie, Hannah and Ned Coffey, Mackenzie, Grace and Olivia Callanan, and Desmond, Maxim and Lucas Alvarez; the dear brother of Catherine Thomas of NH, and Betsy and her husband, Thomas Donovan of Medfield; and the admired uncle of many nieces and nephews. Jim graduated as Valedictorian from the Divine Word Seminary High School in Duxbury and the Bryant and Stratton Business School in Boston. He began his career as an Account Executive at New England Telephone Company in 1951. After numerous promotions, he retired in 1988 as the District Executive of Payroll & Payable Systems for NYNEX where he oversaw the New York and New England Offices. Jim then went on to become the President & Chairman of the Board of the New England Telephone Workers’ Cooperative Bank. He retired permanently in 2001. He was a board member of the New England Telephone Workers’ Credit Union and Treasurer and Board Member of Massachusetts Association of Mental Health and the Treasurer of the Miramar Alumni Association. He also coached youth hockey in Dedham for many years. Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed all sports. He was the biggest fan at all his children and grandchildren’s activities. He was an avid Patriots fan and season ticket holder for many years. Jim enjoyed many games and excursions with his best friend / father in law, John Moore. He went on road trips with the team, even Super Bowls. Jim also enjoyed family card games and teaching his kids to swim and fish during their summers in Rockport, MA. Jim and Marie loved traveling together, exploring many places both near and far. More than anything else he loved and was devoted to his family and was happiest when everyone was all together. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 29, at 9:00 AM from the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street (Rte. 1A), Norwood, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 547 Washington Street, Norwood. Interment will follow the Mass in Highland Cemetery, Norwood. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, October 28, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the Society of the Divine Word – Miramar Retreat, 121 Parks St. PO Box M, Duxbury, MA 02331.