Philip Brady Callan
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Philip Brady Callan passed away peacefully on July 23rd, 2020 at age 84. He was predeceased by his parents, Philip J. and Lucile Callan; brother, Brady Callan. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Eileen O’Meara Callan; daughters Maureen Callan and Christine (Christopher) Murphy; sons Michael, Patrick (Tanya) and Sean (Anne) Callan; grandchildren Drew, Jenna and Brooke Callan, Meara, Maggie and Sadie Murphy, Lucy and Peter Callan, and Jack, Maeve and Norah Callan; sister, Marian (Leo) Aman; brothers, David (Linda), Edward, Daniel, Rev. James B. Callan, and Jerry (Ruth) Callan; sister-in-law Tessie Callan; daughter-in-law Diane Minunni Callan, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Due to current health restrictions, a Memorial Mass and celebration of Phil’s life will be held at a later date. Phil graduated from Aquinas in 1953, attended St. John Fisher College, and served in the Army from 1956 – 1958. He retired from Kodak in 1991 after working in the purchasing department for 32 years. After that, Phil drove a school bus for the Greece Central School District for 10 years. He loved driving that bus; arriving early each morning to make sure it met his high standards for safety and cleanliness. He would fondly recall the times when he decorated his bus for the holidays, then watched parents double over with laughter as he rolled down their street blaring “Jingle Bells” from the loudspeaker. After his retirement, Phil volunteered as a tutor at Hope Hall and in the Rochester City School District. Always seeking to help where the need was greatest, he asked teachers to send him their most challenging student. He would take that child aside and build up their confidence by pointing out how smart they were, telling their teacher what a good job they were doing, and rewarding them with special pencils and stickers from his briefcase. This practical approach to faith was at the heart of Phil’s personality. Whenever his children came to him with a problem, they would hear, “Did you say a prayer? Does it say ‘Callan’ on the back of your shirt? Then everything is going to be ok”. This was always followed by practical advice, any help he could offer, and a quick check of the air pressure in their tires before they left. Putting their faith to work in a practical way was important to both Phil and Eileen right from the start of their marriage. This led them to form a faith study group with like-minded young couples at St. Charles Borromeo Church in the mid 1960s. Meeting monthly at each other’s homes, the “Discussion Club” deepened into a lifelong group of devoted friends who always had each other’s back. Whenever a crisis arose in someone’s family, their children watched and learned as the Discussion Club mobilized with phone calls, prayers, casseroles, and anything else that was needed. Phil, Eileen and their family have been so blessed to have these wonderful people walking next to them throughout their lives. To his family’s delight, Phil revealed an artistic talent later in life. He surprised his children with beautiful watercolor paintings of their homes, and became a sought-after resource for interior design among his friends and siblings. His grandchildren were particularly enchanted with his gift for storytelling. They weren’t always sure they believed Grandpa’s stories of waking up each morning to the sound of trumpeting elephants and roaring lions, until they learned that he grew up right behind the Seneca Park Zoo! Phil has said that his greatest desire in life was to be a good father. With God’s help, he far exceeded that goal and became a wonderful husband, father and mentor to his children, grandchildren, younger siblings, and the children he tutored. Beyond that, he was a trusted advisor to his neighbors and co-workers. Everyone seemed to know that if you went to Phil with your problems, you’d get straight talk delivered with kindness, empathy and a twinkle of humor from a man who walks the walk. And you would leave with air in your tires. If you would like to make a donation in Phil’s name, he was a longtime supporter of Hope Hall and Spiritus Christi Outreaches.
I have such fond memories of hanging out at the Callan house when I was younger. Mr Callan was always calm and steady. My thoughts And love are with you all.
Our sincere condolences to Eileen and the whole family. Jack has fond memories of a trip he and Phil took to Washington DC in Phil’s "old" ’46 Chevy in 1955. Doesn’t remember if Phil checked the tire air pressure or not! Remembering you in our prayers. Jack and Kay Quinn
What I can say is that Phil Callan was an outstanding father. My family considers his daughter Maureen as one of our own family members. Through Maureen, and her siblings, we have heard the "Dad" stories, his words of wisdom and know his dedication to his faith and family. Our hearts are with Eileen, Maureen and the family at this time. We send our love and know that Phil is with God having some great conversations! Much love, The Parisi Family (Molly, Luke, Kathleen, Chris, Danita Jo, Anthony and Andreea).
Dear Callan Family, Sincerest sympathy. My Dad Art Guentner often spoke of Phil and their good times. Dad passed in 2018 but he would want me to send this. Prayers for your peace. Karen Eisenhauer
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My sincere condolences to Eileen and all the Callan family… Phil and your entire family have been a true inspiration to all who have known you. God Bless you, Midge Monte
I send my deepest sympathy to the entire Callan family. I had the privilege of having some of Philip and Eileen’s children ( and Aman’s too! ) in my class at St. Charles Borromeo School many years ago. All of these students were reflections of their role model parents. God Bless. Fondly, Camille Perlo
Dear Eileen and all the blessed Callan family. i want to express my sincerest prayers and condolences for you all over the passing of Phil……. I remember all those wonderful years together at St. Charles Borromeo parish church, school, events, meetings and activities.. Phil and Eileen are the true example of God’s love manifested in their lives…. we all enjoyed Phil’s wiit and humor, infectious smile and laughter and Eileen’s happiness……… Thanks for all you family’s friendship and love. remember all the good times you all must have enjoyed…. John C. Geisler
My condolences to his family, especially his brother David, whom I cherish as a friend since high school.
Phil lived a life worthy of inspiration. It was an honor to know him. He will be missed but his beliefs and values will live on through his children and grandchildren. There is no better legacy. Our love and sympathy to Eileen and his family
To Eileen and her entire family, God bless and comfort you and bring you peace. With deepest sympathy, Annette Hennekey Riley (childhood friend of Eileen and bridesmaid at their wedding.)
I Dear Eileen, My sincere condolence on your loss. I met Phil some ten years when we volunteered at Hope Hall. What a great asset he was there !! We might have met earlier at some family event [my wife’s aunt Winifred was married to your uncle Joe ]. Once again my sympathy.
I can’t remember the year, but it was Christmas Day. I remember sitting behind Phil and Eileen. I had heard so many good things about these folks. We had a lovely visit before mass started. At the Peace Sign, they gave real hugs, the kind one remembers. Truly loving and caring people. I am blessed. Yes Phil, you are truly a treasure. Sincerely, Mary Anne Sears