Thomas Eugene Callihan, 83, of Chicora, PA, was given to God on December 14, 2023, at his home while in the company of his loving wife. He was given by God on September 27, 1940, in Chicora to the late Oscar and Mildred Williams Callihan.
As a 1958 graduate of Chicora High School, Tom entered the IT field in its infancy with computer training in Washington, DC. He then graduated with a business degree from the University of Pittsburgh. During Tom's 38 years of employment at Armco Steel Corp, he took on many leadership roles, retiring as Manager of Stainless Customer Service.
Mr. Callihan was a long-time active member of Mater Dolorosa Roman Catholic Church, where he was a lector and member of the Church council and finance committee. While serving 10 years on the Chicora Borough Council, he gave his time teaching IT skills to residents. Tom also volunteered as a board member at The United Way of SW PA-Butler Co. chapter and the American Red Cross of SW PA-Butler Co. For several years, he coached his son’s Little League baseball teams.
After retirement, Tom and Shirley traveled both abroad and nationally. He was an avid golfer as a member of St. Jude Country Club, and he enjoyed participating in the men’s bowling league. His love of sports (including competitiveness!) and music were passed down to his children and grandchildren.
Tom is survived by his dedicated wife, Shirley A. Burns Callihan, whom he married at Mater Dolorosa in Chicora on May 4, 1963; his daughter, Stacey M. Zavilla and her husband, Gordon, of Lewes, DE; two sons, Thomas M. Callihan and his wife, Wendy, of Bethlehem, PA, and Darren E. Callihan and his wife, Lisa, of Murrells Inlet, SC; seven grandchildren, Josh (Ali) Zavilla of Washington, DC, Corey T. (Alexa) Zavilla of Chicago, Chelsea Zavilla of King of Prussia, Sean (Emily) Callihan of Alexandria, VA, Brandon T. Callihan of Levittown, Payton (Chris) Bates of Atlanta and Rory Callihan of Murrells Inlet; and three great-grandchildren, Benjamin T., Lily and Ryan.
Also, he is survived by his brothers, Fred (Martha) Callihan and Dan (Lana) Callihan; sisters, Mary Wiles and Kathy (Bob) Edwards; brother-in-law, Bill Liberto; sister-in-law, Linda Callihan; as well as several other brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Bill Callihan and Jim Callihan; sisters, Shirley Heitlinger and Patricia Liberto; brothers-in-law, Robert Wiles and Lou Heitlinger; sister-in-law, Patricia Callihan; and mother-in-law, Hazel Burns.
Tom and his family would like to thank Jake Taciuch for providing physical therapy support that enabled him to live at home during his illness.Â
Although the family is deeply saddened by their loss, they cherish the memory of a role model now at peace with God, whom he served well.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora-Fenelton Road, Chicora from 4-7 pm Sunday, December 17, 2023. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, December 18, 2023, from Mater Dolorosa Roman Catholic Church in Chicora with the Rev. Matt McClain, pastor of St. Clare Parish, officiating. The interment will be in Hemphill Cemetery in Chicora.Â
Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center at www.mskcc.org.Â
For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com