NORWOOD - William J. “Bill” Callahan, Jr., age 86, a longtime Norwood resident, passed away in the late evening hours of Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Needham. He was the devoted and loving husband of the late Rosemarie A. “Ree” (Gugliotta) Callahan, who passed away on June 26, 2016.
Born in Brighton, Bill was one of two children born to the late William J. and Theresa (Allen) Callahan. He was raised and grew up in Brighton where he graduated as Class President from Saint Columbkille High School in Brighton. Bill furthered his education by attending Boston State College where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education.
A man with a great work ethic, for nearly 40 years Bill worked as an Industrial Arts teacher for the Waltham Public School System, with much of his career spent educating students at Central Middle School in Waltham. Outside of being a teacher, Bill put in extra hours as he was employed with the Environmental Services Department at Norwood Hospital; he took great pride in providing for his beloved wife and five children.
A communicant of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Bill often attended Mass with his family. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Norwood Council #252.
In his spare time, Bill had a wide array of hobbies and interests. He was a self-proclaimed Ice Cream Connoisseur. He was an avid sports fan and rooted and cheered on all New England sports teams. In his younger years, Bill was a Golden Gloves Boxer, never losing a match. Above all, Bill was most happy with the time spent and memories made with his family, especially being a proud Papa to his grandchildren and GPA to his great-grandchildren!
Bill is survived by his cherished children: William J. “Billy” Callahan III and his wife Christine of Bois Colombes France, Kathy M. Callahan and Cathy Condo of Norwood, Michael R. Callahan and his husband James Mullane of Framingham, Steven T. Callahan and his wife Susan of Norwood, and Diane K. Carter and her husband Paul of Walpole; his grandchildren: Stephanie Emmi and her husband Paul, Shaun Callahan and his wife Alanna, Katie Scano and her husband Colin, Kimmy Carter and her partner David White, Billy J. Callahan, and Estelle Callahan; his great grandchildren: Ella and Miles Emmi; his sister: Agnes “Sis” Callaghan and her late husband Bill of Walpole; longtime family friend Kandi Finch and also numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Visiting hours will be held on WEDNESDAY, August 6, 2025 from 4:00pm-8:00pm at the Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home 1248 Washington St. Norwood.
Bill’s funeral will begin at the funeral home on THURSDAY, August 7, 2025, at 9:30am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00am in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 547 Washington Street, Norwood.
Interment will be in Highland Cemetery, Norwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation directly at
https://www.parkinson.org/?form=19983&tribute=true