Robert “Bob” G. Callaghan; age 93, of LaGrange; beloved husband of the late Helen Callaghan (née Shannon); loving father of Julie Ann Donatelli, Eileen (Tom) Schwendt, Rob (Renee) Callaghan, and Joan (Bob) Comfort; cherished “Papa” of Michael, Matthew, Brian (Manisara), and Patrick Donatelli; Kevin (Mary Kate) and Colin (Stephanie) Schwendt; Ryan, Meghan (Patrick) Gillespie, Daniel and Maeve Callaghan; John (Lauren), Julie and Caroline Comfort; proud great-grandfather of Parker and Naomi Gillespie, Cameron and Conor Schwendt; dear brother of the late William (Maxine) Callaghan, Anne Marie (the late Dr. Albert) Lorincz, and Francis (the late Louise) Callaghan; dear brother-in-law of the late Rev. Robert Shannon; and caring uncle and friend of many.
Bob was born on February 27, 1929 in Chicago, the son of Francis and Anne (née Henry) Callaghan. He was a proud graduate of Campion Jesuit High School, Prairie Du Chien, WI (Class of 1947) before joining the United States Marine Corps in 1950. After enduring boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina and winter mountain training at Camp Pendleton, California, he left for Korea where he spent thirteen months of active duty fighting in the Korean War with the 1st Marine Division. Bob personified the Marine Corps motto “Once a Marine-Always a Marine” as a member of American Legion Post 1941. One of his most memorable experiences was joining over one hundred of his fellow Korean War Veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He also served his community and faith as a long time, active parishioner of St. Cletus Parish where, as a Holy Name Society member and 2016 recipient of the Rev. Charles Gallagher Award for service to church and country, he faithfully served as an usher at 8 o’clock Mass each Sunday. Bob retired in 1993 from Henry Bros. Construction after 45 years working as a Bricklayer / Superintendent. During retirement, he and Helen enjoyed travelling throughout the U.S. and Europe and spending winters on Sanibel Island, Fla. with many friends and family.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 31st from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 1st for prayers at 9:30 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Cletus Church, LaGrange. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations to Honor Flight Chicago (https://www.honorflightchicago.org/) or St. Cletus Church (https://stcletusparish.com/) are appreciated. Funeral information: (708) 352-6500 or hjfunerals.com
The last time I saw Uncle Bob was at Alan Lorincz’s memorial service at the University of Chicago. I sat next to him at the reception and happened to say that I recently read David Halberstram’s The Coldest Winter about the Korean War. He put his hand on my knee and said, “It’s a good thing you didn’t call it the Korean Conflict. Once a Marine…. A truly good man. Our sympathies to all the family.
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Bob at St Cletus years ago. He was an inspiration to my Faith and service to our Church 🙏
The first time I meant him he almost broke my hand with his handshake!
God Bless you Bob🙏
God has a new greeter in Heaven🙏