Lifelong resident, WWII veteran, real estate developer
Jerry Callahan. (Courtesy photo)
Jerome C. Callahan Jr., 92 and a lifelong resident of Harvard, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2017, at Apple Valley Nursing Home in Ayer. He was the husband of the late Alice (Normandy) (Desmond) Callahan, who died in 2003.
Jerome, known by most as “Jerry,” was born in Harvard on Sept. 2, 1924, the son of the late Jerome C. and Myra (Sheehan) Callahan. Raised and educated in Harvard, he graduated from the Bromfield School. He then enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during World War II. He graduated from Boston College with a degree in economics and soon married Alice and remained in Harvard where together they raised their loving family.
A dedicated entrepreneur, Jerry began a successful and rewarding career both in real estate development and in owning and operating for many years the Cream Crest Store on Route 2A in Ayer. Upon selling that business, he worked for GV Moore Hardware in Littleton, where he maintained many friendships over the years.
Jerry always enjoyed spending time with his family as well as gardening and maintaining his lawns and properties.
He is survived by his children, Cynthia Ann Willoughby and her husband, David, of Morehead, Kentucky; Jerome C. “Chris” Callahan III of Derry, New Hampshire; Dennis J. Callahan and his wife, Sandra, of Wayland; and Kevin M. Callahan and his wife, Kellie, of Noblesville, Indiana. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Sandra Barrett; Laura Willoughby; Kelly, Erin, Kirsten, Sean, Emily, Marlee, and Jason Callahan; Shana Steckler; Billy Reber; April Wilson; and Alex Packard, as well as several great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson Richard Willoughby and daughter-in-law Jenelle Callahan. He also leaves behind his close friend Mickey Oakes.
Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Jerome on Friday, March 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Theresa, the Little Flower Church, 15 Still River Road, Harvard. Burial will follow with U.S. Army military honors at Bellevue Cemetery, Harvard.
Donations in Jerome’s memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, State House Room 546, Boston, MA 02133 or www.davma.org.
Arrangements are under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, Littleton. To share a memory or offer a condolence, visit www.badgerfuneral.com.
