Flavian J. Callahan

Flavian J. “Jim” Callahan, 73, of Worcester, formerly of Upton, passed away on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester due to complications from Parkinson's Disease.  He was predeceased by his loving wife, Kristin (Reifsteck) Callahan in 2014.

He was born in Natick, MA on October 10, 1948 to the late Winifred (Warren) Callahan and Thomas Callahan. He is also predeceased by a brother, John Callahan.

He is survived by his children, Amanda Callahan of Woonsocket, RI, and Nathan Callahan and his wife Mary Collette Callahan of Milford; a brother, Tom Callahan and his wife Joan of Shrewsbury; two sisters, Mary Lou Von Euw of Boston and Bernadette Guertin and her husband George of Sutton; two sisters-in-law, Perry Bent of Framingham and Carolyn Callahan and her husband Joe Duffy of Bloomfield, CT; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

A graduate of Marian High School, class of 1967, he later received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Framingham State University. Throughout the years he held a variety of jobs that had a positive impact on both his colleagues and those he served. He most recently worked as a Supervisor at UMass Medical in a department handling DTA disability claims. 

Mr. Callahan was a man who went by many names, most notably: "Flav," "Jim," "Dad," and “Coach Cal.” For much of his adult life, he coached children and young adults of various age groups and levels in several sports. Along with coaching, arguably his greatest passion in life was acting as a mentor to anyone that he knew, especially his family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and countless young people that he had the pleasure of working with or coaching. However it would be remiss not to mention his other favorite pastimes, such as hiking, camping, and the great outdoors; spending quality time with his family, friends, and cats; and being a devoted fan to his Boston sports teams.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, February 19, at 11 a.m. followed by a service at 1 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME  & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.

The use of face masks is requested by the family, due to medical issues of some of those who will be in attendance.

The Prayer Service will be “live streamed” and can be viewed by visiting the funeral home website and selecting “live services”, the video will play automatically, once the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Appalachian Mountain Club, by visiting https://www.outdoors.org/donate/tribute-gifts/ or Good Sports by visiting www.goodsports.org