Joseph Edward Callahan

Joseph Edward Callahan, a former U.S. Navy Captain and longtime resident of Boyce, Va., died Friday, March 18, after a long battle with Lewy body dementia.

Born November 17, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pa., Joe graduated from Wildwood Catholic in 1956. Originally a member of the class of 1960, he graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1961 with a degree in civil engineering. (He was fond of saying, “I managed to squeeze four years into five.”) He earned a master’s degree in computer science from Georgia Tech, where he was an assistant professor of Naval Science. In the Navy, he did a tour of duty in Vietnam, where he commanded an LST. He later served as the captain of the destroyer the U.S.S. Barry. He attended and was an instructor at the Naval War College. Once when asked who was the better general, Ulysses S. Grant or Robert E. Lee, he responded, as great teachers often do, with a question, “Who won?” Ultimately, he served proudly in the Navy for 27 years.

A huge believer in the power of education and literature to transform lives and the world, Joe served as an adjunct professor at Lord Fairfax Community College, and he generously supported the education of many grateful members of his extended family. He also was an active member of St. Bridget of Ireland Church in Berryville, Va. He was an avid supporter of the theater in and around Washington, D.C., where he regularly attended plays with his close group of friends from the Navy, Captains Al Bartels, Bill Bouffard and Tom Gill. He adored his dogs, especially Pooka and Decibel, who was deaf from birth. He also loved the south Jersey shore town of Stone Harbor where he spent much of his boyhood and owned a home for many decades. Despite missing half a finger on one hand, the result of a childhood accident, he lived a full life and could effectively curse the deserving with just one hand. 

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa Evans Callahan, and his parents Joseph and Kathleen Callahan. He is survived by three brothers: Francis, William, and Kevin Callahan. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Brian Callahan, Kara Callahan, Kevin Callahan, Michelle Callahan, Sean Callahan, Shannon Callahan, Timothy Callahan, Christopher White, Cindy White, Barbara Pfeifer Clayton, Bruce Pfeifer, Robert Pfeifer, Luke McGirr, Jennifer Cordano McCarthy, Jonathon Cordano, Daniel Cordano, Walter Evans, Linda Evans, Thomas Evans, Gabrielle Evans, Christopher Evans, and Peter Evans

Joe loved flowers, especially Teresa’s prized roses, so send them if you like at a future date. Also please consider donating to some of Joe’s favorite causes: the Lord Fairfax Community College Education Foundation, Seton Hall University, Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging, St. Bridget of Ireland Church, and the Free Medical Clinic of Northern Shenandoah Valley.

To express your condolences or share your favorite stories of Joe, please visit this website.

Joe will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full funeral honors at a future date.

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