Edward J. Callahan ‘62 died on September 25, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Edward J. Callahan ’62
(The following was provided by the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home on September 25, 2026:)
Edward J. Callahan, 85, of North Reading, MA, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Massachusetts General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Boston, MA, on December 22, 1940, Ed was the beloved son of the late Daniel and Helen (Maskaskas) Callahan and the devoted husband of Kathy Peroni-Callahan for thirty-nine years.
Ed grew up in Peabody, MA, and graduated from Peabody High School in 1958. A standout scholar-athlete, he graduated at the top of his class and received the prestigious Harvard Book Award. He served as the captain and center for the basketball team and was equally formidable on the diamond as a gifted pitcher and outfielder for the baseball team. His legendary high school career earned him All-Essex County honors and he was honored to be a 1995 induction into the Peabody High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
A proud graduate of Bowdoin College (Class of 1962), Ed was a member of Kappa Sigma and a gifted athlete. He served as captain of the baseball team and co-captain of the basketball team, earning All-Maine and All-Star honors in both sports. After college, his deep passion for sports continued as he played for several semi-professional and amateur basketball, baseball, and softball teams.
A versatile and successful businessman, Ed worked as a salesman for Dowd Paper Company, was president and co-owner of Industrial Wiper and Paper Supply in Chelsea, owned Atrium Travel in Danvers, and worked as a marketing and sales manager for the Northeast ARC. Deeply committed to his community, he served on the Peabody Jaycees and School Building Commission, was a member of the Danvers Rotary Club, and volunteered as a small business counselor for SCORE.
As a hands-on father, Ed coached Beverly youth soccer and basketball and was a strong supporter of his children’s goals and passions. He enjoyed spending time with his loving wife, Kathy, family, and friends, and attending live music. A devoted, lifelong Boston sports fan, Ed passed his love for the game down to his children and grandchildren, who carry on his legacy today.
Ed is survived by his wife, Kathy Peroni-Callahan; his four children, Deborah Callahan (Allen James), Stephen Callahan (Christine), Cheryl Callahan, and Derek Callahan; his former wife, Cynthia (Berry) Luma; his sister, Ann Foster; and nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his seven cherished grandchildren who adored their “Grampy”: Tyler, Daniel, Anna, Brett, Carleigh, and Brady Callahan, and Elijah James. Ed was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Daniel Callahan; his sisters, Helen Callahan and Judith Oleks; and his daughter-in-law, Linda Wall.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend.