Ronald Callahan

Ronald "Ronnie" William Callahan, 73, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2024, at Levine Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, NC. Born on October 4, 1950, at Morrissania Hospital in Bronx, NY, Ronald was the beloved son of the late Nathaniel and Lula Callahan.

Growing up in the Bronx, Ronnie was the youngest of three children, cherished by his siblings Phyllis Callahan and Nathaniel Milton Callahan. He later gained a younger sister, Natalie Comas, from his father's side.  A devoted lover of New York City, Ronald's passion for life and his unwavering strength were evident to all who knew him. 

Ronnie's early years were marked by his love for sports and exceptional athleticism, particularly in baseball. He excelled as a catcher for the prestigious Pony League NY Bullets Travel team for several years. Following his grandfather's passing, Ronnie moved to live with and care for his grandmother from the age of 13 well into his 20s, demonstrating his deep sense of family responsibility and compassion.

A pivotal figure in Ronnie's life was his Uncle Bubba, his mother's only brother, who taught him how to drive and served as a father figure. Ronnie was also close to Bubba's children, Carl and Pam, as well as his cousin Sidney, affectionately known as "Sid," who was like a younger brother to him. His friendship with Chucky from elementary school remained strong throughout his life.

Ronnie graduated from Dewitt Clinton High School in 1969, and is remembered as a kind-hearted, mild-mannered peacekeeper who never got into trouble and was always encouraging and happy for others' accomplishments. By hanging with Ronnie and his gentle demeanor, many are surprised to know of his proficiency in self-defense where he eventually  earned a black belt in karate in the late 1970s.  You would definitely want him on your side in an altercation.

Ronnie enjoyed bicycle riding and playing basketball with his siblings and mother during his childhood. A huge fan of the Yankees, he often attended games for free. After high school, he began a long career at the World Trade Center with McMullen Ship Building Company, where he worked for three decades before transitioning to Shipping and Receiving at the Home Depot Expo Design Center in Long Island, NY.

An avid reader and researcher, Ronnie had a particular passion for history and non-fiction books. He and his brother Nathaniel (most call him Milton) ran together often and spent weekends running the hills of Van Cortlandt Park and sometimes bike riding. Ronnie's love for music, especially Motown, was profound; he not only knew every word to each song but also the artist, producer, and year of release. Inspired by his mother, he even began learning to play the piano.  He enjoyed game shows like Jeopardy where if there were any categories on “oldies” music trivia, he would surely get all the answers right. Another favorite pastime of his was watching the Andy Griffith Show where he knew every character, their lines and every episode word for word.  In 2022, he and David got to visit "Mayberry", the fictional town where the show took place in Mount Airy, NC.  This is just one of David's fondest memories with his dad.

Ronnie married Sharon Callahan in 1982, and they spent 25 wonderful years together, raising three children: Dominique Rojas (lovingly known as Cha-Cha by him), David Callahan, and Ayanna Rojas. Though they later divorced, they remained close friends and continued to support one another, their children and their grandchildren.

Ronnie is survived by his children, Dominique Rojas (Eric Rojas), David Callahan, and Ayanna Rojas, his sister Phyllis Callahan, his brother Nathaniel Milton Callahan (Pat Callahan), his younger sister Natalie Comas (Ted Vernon Comas), countless cousins, his ex-wife and dear friend Sharon Callahan, and his lifelong friend Chucky. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Alexis, Shayna, Joshua, Mekhi, Daniel and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.  He always believed that his grandchildren could do no wrong and would always laugh at them to lighten up those moments they should maybe have been getting in trouble. 

Ronald William Callahan, beloved friend, and cherished by all in his family, will be deeply missed by those who had the honor of knowing him.  His joyous spirit touched the lives of everyone he met and there wasn't a stranger he did not greet with his infectious laughter and warm smile. Not surprising, he fought bravely until the end, leaving a legacy of kindness, strength and resilience.

A memorial service to celebrate Ronnie's life will be held on June 29th, 2024 at 11am EST at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services (location only) with services by Harrisburg Funeral & Cremation, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Foundation in Ronnie's memory at http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/HattieHannah.

We will forever cherish the memories of Ronnie's acumen, warmth, love, and laughter. He is  deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Online condolences may be made at www.HarrisburgFC.com.