Eugene R. Callahan
Eugene Ronald Callahan (“Jess”), age 91, of Hinsdale, passed away at home on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Joanne (nee Joan Dalton). Loving father of Nancy (Daniel Lohr), James E. (Monica), David M. (Anna Liljas), Margaret “Maggie” (Rob) Nighswander, and Mary Jo (John Brown). Cherished grandfather of Elizabeth, Brendan and Emily Lohr; Liam, James, Siobhan, Joseph and John Callahan; Astrid, Juniper and Owen Callahan; Teddy Nighswander and Brooke Zych; Rory and her late baby sister, Frances Brown. Great-grandfather of Aidan and Jaxon Romano, Samuel St. John, Henry Lohr, Ryder and Sayer Zych. Brother of Joyce Burke, Sr. Judy Callahan BVM, Lois Mast, Warren, Mary Lou, Quentin; and the late Phillip, Maurice, Roger, Claude and Stanley. Father-in-law to the late Eileen Callahan. Beloved uncle and friend to many.
Eugene was raised in both Bernard and Dubuque, Iowa; he never made a friend he didn’t keep. Eugene served in the U.S. Air Force cadets and later was stationed in Japan. He took great pride in the building of an orphanage there with his fellow servicemen.
After his military service he earned degrees in History and Philosophy at Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa. In addition to his studies he played semi-pro basketball in eastern Iowa.
While attending Loras, he met Joan Dalton through his future brother in law, Msgr. Jack Dalton. They were married in 1957.
Eugene began a successful career in advertising and sales with R.H. Donnelly, and its former-subsidiaries Official Airline Guide and Teleflora, before partnering with McDonald’s Corp. in the purchase of the Chicago-based construction trade publishing company, Frank R. Walker Co., of which he later took ownership and led as President for 39 years.
Eugene was a wonderful storyteller, a lover of fishing and swimming, an avid golfer, the life of the party and the best wedding dancer. His faith, joy, compassion and generosity will live in our memories always.
Visitation 3 to 9pm on Sunday, September 24th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Family and friends to meet directly at St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Hinsdale for a 10am Funeral Mass on Monday, September 25th. Burial to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls are greatly appreciated.
Funeral information: 708-352-6500
Uncle Jess was the best. He leaves behind a legacy of love and friendship. We will honor you by remembering and telling your great stories.
What a tremendous man. I am very sorry for your loss. Had great times at ballgames and at parties at your house with him.
This is Kelly Lennon from the Mpls area. I am a very good friend of Mark Grogan, as I know are Jim and Dave Callahan. I’ve had the great pleasure of meeting both Dave and Jim. Any father of those two and a friend of Mark Grogan’s would surely have been a friend of mine. Just from this one picture of the patriarch Eugene, I see kindness and humor in those Irish eyes. I’m sure there is much to celebrate with regard to his life.
Thanks Kelly! So nice to hear from you.
Thanks Mark. He loved parties and pretty much any kind of social gathering. And he sure knew how to host one!
I’m so sorry MJ and family. Sending our love from Vermont.
He won’t be forgotten! His smile, stories, and hugs are something I will cherish forever. One of my favorite fellow-Duhawks. Love to you all, Callahan Family.
Hello , I wish I could be there for you guys and the rest of the family and friends . Your Dad was good to me . when I needed work he hired me . I have never forgotten that.Over the years I have really felt like part of the family .Condolences from my wife Janine and I.Tom
Sorry for you loss. It was good seeing him and talking with him in KC a couple years ago.
Maggie and Callahan family. I am so very sorry for you loss. I am especially heartbroken for your dear mother who has lost the love of her life. You are all so strong. I will be stopping by later and hope to carve out my day to be their tomorrow. Love and support to you all. Mary-Ellen Devitt
Dear Joanne and family. My deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies on Ronnie’s passing. Ronnie Callahan was such a good man. He was kind, so fine, so Talented. And he was also one of the most positive attitude people l have ever known. Always. And the reason in large part is because of the beautiful family you and him created. I looked up to him always. And always will.