James M. Callahan

Ayer–James M. Callahan, 86, of Leominster, former longtime resident of Ayer passed away peacefully on Monday, October 2, 2023 in his home, surrounded by his loving family. James was born on May 24, 1937 in Lowell, MA a son of the late Thomas L. and Ruth (Evans) Callahan. He graduated from Ayer High School in 1955 and Bentley School of Accounting and Finance in 1957. James was an auditor for the Federal Milk Market Administration with the Department of Agriculture for 40 years, retiring in 1998. He was also a member of the US Army National Guard for over 36 years, and an assessor for the town of Ayer. James met the love of his life during the Washington, DC high school field trip, and from that moment on, he planned and executed an incredibly fulfilling life. He was an athlete, having excelled in many sports throughout high school and his love for sports continued throughout his life. He was a camper, and a boater, owning kayaks, motorboats, and he himself enjoyed, then taught all his daughters, how to waterski. He enjoyed snow skiing, playing hockey in the “old man’s” league, and he coached girls’ softball, but the sport he loved the most and missed the most, was golf. James was an exceptional provider, considered by some a financial genius, so together with his wife Sylvia, the adventurist, they traveled the world by plane, ship, train, car, you name it. James and Sylvia enjoyed a summer home in South Harwich, MA and wintered in Vero Beach, FL for many years, often joined by their children and grandchildren, creating many great memories. He was also a man of many names; James, Jim, Cal, Slim, Duds, Grandfather, and “Clam”. The last name was created by his four grandchildren, who will miss him deeply. James leaves the woman he adored, his wife, of 65 years Sylvia A. (Lambert) Callahan of Leominster; three daughters, Megan A. Callahan, MD, and her former husband, Hilmy Ismail of North Attleboro, Kathleen A. DiRusso and her husband, Michael, of Leominster and Hilary S. Callahan, PhD of New York, NY; a brother, Francis P. Callahan of Ayer and a sister, Mary Guthrie of Ayer; four grandchildren, Justin Ismail, Abigail Ismail, Nina DiRusso, and Daniel Watahan, and several nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his two brothers, Thomas F. Callahan and William J. Callahan, and Hilary’s lifetime partner and Daniel Watahan’s father, Thomas Waters. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday morning October 7 at 10:30 AM in St. Anthony de Padua Church 14 Phoenix St., Shirley. Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 6, from 4 to 7 PM in the Anderson Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Rd., Ayer. For further in formation of to leave an online condolence please visit their website at www.andersonfuneral.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Dementia Society of America.

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James M. Callahan

May 24, 1937 - October 2, 2023