Obituary: Kevin R. Callahan, 83, Of Norwalk

Information via Magner Funeral Home

Kevin was born to Jeremiah and Elizabeth Callahan of Norwalk. He is predeceased by his brothers Jay, Bob, Gene and sister Betty Ann Carbone. Kevin was an incredible husband to wife Carmel (predeceased), and loving father to son Liam Callahan (predeceased).

Kevin leaves behind son Owen Callahan, Brendan Callahan with wife Susan and grand daughters Grace and Jane as well as daughter Deirdre with husband Richard Denovellis and grand daughters Katherine and Maryalice. Daughter in law Laura Callahan and grandson Ryan.

He excelled in many things such as baseball and art as a child. Kevin graduated from the School of Visual Arts in N.Y. and had a very successful career as a freelance artist. Later in life he became an excellent self taught woodworker and could make just about anything he dreamed up. Being an excellent swimmer, for years Kevin could swim a couple miles in the Long Island Sound against the waves with ease. He was an avid weightlifter and won competitions in his younger years. He continued to strength train right up till the end.

He had a great love of animals. Many times he nursed birds back to health. One bird even gave him an illness that landed him in the hospital yet the next time he found an injured bird he cared for it as well. He rescued many cats and dogs throughout the years either placing them in homes or keeping them in the family. One of his favorite things in the world was taking the family dog to Taylor Farm.

Kevin was a devoted husband to his wife Carmel O’Sullivan Callahan. They met at Caldor while both worked in the offices. He won her heart by drawing a sketch of her and leaving it on her desk with a note asking her out to lunch. They did everything together. They shared a love of antiques. At one point they even had a shop. They spent many weekends at auctions and taking long drives exploring and looking for treasures. Kevin was a very capable painting and furniture restorationist. They loved all things Irish history, as Carmel was from Cork Ireland.

As fathers go, he was the best a kid could ask for. Always present, always trusting, always caring. Coaching little league, teaching us how to ride bikes, swing a bat and throw a ball, swim, ice skate, drive. Spent days with us at the pool everyday in the summer, trick or treating every halloween, skating and sledding in the winter.

He said many times how thankful he was for his family and friends. He was very appreciative and toughed to see how his friends rallied around him when he needed them most. Kevin was on heck of a guy and will be terribly missed by many.

As per his instructions there will be no service. If you would like to help in his name; a contribution to any animal welfare organization would be lovely. Because there is no service I ask that instead, if you can say a prayer for his safe return to God and the loved ones awaiting his arrival. We love you all and appreciate everyone's support during this difficult time.

To send a condolence to his family, please visit his memorial page at www.magnerfuneralhome.com.