Patrick J. Callaghan

Patrick Joseph Callaghan, 82, of Little Valley, NY passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, May 1, 2024 at home with his children by his side.

Born May 3, 1941 in Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan, Ireland, he was the son of the late Kathleen Gaffney and Patrick O’Callaghan.

For his first eight years, he lived with his grandparents, John and Rose Gaffney on their farm in Ireland before moving with his mother to New York City, where she was employed by the Jesuits. Through their support, he was able to attend St. Bonaventure University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education in 1963 and later earned his Master’s Degree.

During summers, he worked on the railroad, sharing stories of his many adventures. He began his teaching career at Allegany Central School before moving to Salamanca, where he taught English until he retired in 1999. He was dedicated to his students and his work, acting as the Head of the English Department and as the high school baseball coach. He was much loved by his students and received several awards for teaching excellence. After retirement, he returned to teaching for ten more years at the Division of Youth, where he had previously worked as a supervisor. Through his guidance and mentorship, several students went on to receive Regents Diplomas.

In his youth and throughout his life, he placed a high value on sports and sportsmanship, winning numerous cross-country races and as a Golden Gloves Boxer in NYC. Later in life, he used those boxing skills to help train others, some of whom achieved Golden Gloves status.

During two decades of negotiating a lease agreement between the City of Salamanca and the Seneca Nation, Patrick, along with many others, never lost sight of the importance of honoring relationships and doing what is right, even in the face of opposition. His children say it best, he was “one tenacious Irishman”.

Surviving are: his wife, Linda; his children, Kevin Callaghan, Sean (Elizabeth) Callaghan, Colleen (Wilmer) Reyes; stepdaughter, Melissa (John) LoPresto; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his twin sister, Anne Callaghan.

Per his wishes, there will be no visitation or memorial service. His cremains will be scattered in Ireland by his children.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Library of Little Valley, 110 Rock City Street, Little Valley, NY 14755.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.