Joliet, IL - It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Paul Edward Callaghan on June 18th, 2026. He was 85 years old. Paul was born on October 15th, 1940, to his loving parents, Mary O'Brien Callaghan and John Foster Callaghan, in Oswego, New York. He was the third of 18 children and his mother admitted that he was her favorite because Paul was always at her side ready and willing to help her in any way. The family moved to Detroit, Michigan where Paul graduated from Saint Catherine's school on the east side of Detroit and after eighth grade, he entered the Sacred Heart Seminary.

After one year he transferred to Austin high school and was in their first graduating class in 1958. He then attended the University of Detroit and obtained his Bachelor's of Science degree and majored in Chemistry. After a short stint as a science teacher, Paul transitioned into manufacturing and business. He moved to Traverse City, Michigan in 1975 where he was the Director of Personnel at Cone Drive Gear. He was a City Commissioner for the City of Traverse City from 1979-1981. Later in his career, Paul found a very special calling at the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe at Marytown. There, Paul met Brother Camillus O.F. M. Dulude. He oversaw the needs of Brother Camillus and other Conventual Franciscan Brothers. It was during these years where Paul's faith was deepened and fortified. Paul's favorite job was as a stay-at-home father and husband.

When asked, Paul would say his biggest accomplishment was his family. He met and married Catherine Rose Managan on August 25th, 1962. They raised five children. He met and married his soul-mate, Linda Yague Callaghan, on October 4th, 1985 and was blessed with two more children. Paul's dedication to Linda, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was palpable. He always had a story to tell and updated everyone on the comings and goings of his family. It was not surprising that anyone who came into contact with Paul was drawn to his gentleness, kindness, and loving nature. His generosity and attention were life changing to those who were fortunate enough to be in his presence. Paul was profoundly moved by music and one would often find him singing and humming. Of special note, Paul was a gifted oboist and for a time was the Organist at a Catholic Church in the archdiocese of Detroit. He was eternally optimistic and found humor in everything. His scrabble skills were legendary (and sometimes questionable,) his smile whimsical, and his winks will forever be missed. Please honor Paul by telling a story, playing a game of scrabble, writing a creative story, listening to Led Zeppelin 1 (really loud) or telling a joke.

Paul is survived by his wife, Linda, his siblings John Callaghan Jr (Mary Anne Callaghan), James Callaghan (Hilary Callaghan), Kathleen Callahan (Vincent H. Callahan), Edward Callaghan (Mary Lynn Callaghan), William Callaghan (Rose Ann Callaghan), Clare Jorgensen (Robert H. Jorgensen), Christopher Callaghan (Patricia E. Shields Callaghan), Kevin Callaghan (Jean Callaghan), Mary Callaghan Lynch (Patrick Lynch), Joseph Callaghan (Maureen Callaghan), Teresa Crisman (Harold Crisman), Patrick Callaghan (Nancy Callaghan), Bridget Ebbing (John D. Ebbing, Sr.)...his children Paul Edward Callaghan (Michelle Callaghan), Eileen Mary Callaghan, Michael Joseph Callaghan, Timothy Patrick Callaghan, Bridget Maureen Callaghan (Jeff Swesky), Rose Anne Jesiolowski (Matt Jesiolowski)...his grandchildren Shawna Wise (Kevin Venne), Callaghan Wise (Shelby Wise), Riley Harriman, John (Jack) Callaghan, Duncan Callaghan, Seamus Callaghan, Colin Zelman, Grace Callaghan, Stella Jesiolowski, Maris Jesiolowski and Finnian Callaghan...his great grandchildren....Aidan Sedo, Caleb Venne, Camden Wise, Callaghan Venne and Cavan Wise. Paul is also survived by his fifty four nieces and nephews and their family members. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Lynn Marie Pineda, siblings Margaret Guest (Michael Guest), Brian Callaghan (Norma Barquet), Ann Elizabeth Callaghan, Patricia Malley and nephew, John O'Brien Crisman.

A Catholic mass and memorial service will be held on Monday, July 20th, 2026 at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet, Illinois. Visitation starts at 9:30 AM with mass following at 10:00AM. A family and guest luncheon to follow.