30-Year-Old Fairfield Coach Was 'A True Friend And Mentor'

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Warde athletic community is mourning the unexpected death of a beloved coach.

Daniel Callahan, who coached football and lacrosse at Warde, died unexpectedly May 10 at the age of 30.

“He was a true friend and mentor to many of the students and athletes whose lives he touched,” the Warde Gridiron Club, the nonprofit for the school football program, said in a Facebook post.

To honor Callahan’s memory, the club is collecting donations to fund a college scholarship for future Warde athletes. As of Saturday evening, the effort had raised more than $24,000 of its $30,000 goal.

Warde’s football and lacrosse teams also held a procession in front of Callahan’s Fairfield home, News 12 reported Saturday.

Callahan was a former Fairfield High School athlete himself, and worked as an educational trainer and paraprofessional, teaching special needs students at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. He also coached for Fairfield Youth Football and volunteered for the Unified Club at Fairfield Woods Middle School, which offers students with special needs an outlet to participate in sports, according to Callahan’s obituary, published in the Connecticut Post.

“Dan had a big, light-hearted personality and would light up any room he walked into,” the obituary said. “He will be remembered for his sense of humor and crazy sayings.”

Services for Callahan will be limited to family due to restrictions related to the coronavirus outbreak. A memorial event will be held later in the summer.

To donate to the scholarship, visit bit.ly/2WVXkH2. For more information, email wardegridironfundraising@gmail.com.

Callahan’s family also requested donations to the Fairfield Woods Unified Club or Autism Speaks in lieu of flowers.