Corralitos, Ca
Peter Matthew Callahan was born May 25, 1953 in Annapolis, Maryland. He died unexpectedly & far too soon, on September 30, 2024 at his home in Corralitos, California.
Peter was the middle child of US Navy, captain John Francis, and Muriel “Mimi” Callahan. The Callahan Family made their way from the East Coast to California in the early 60’s. Peter graduated from Los Altos High School in 1971, he was smart, charming & always on the go. His passion for knowledge and his adventurous spirit started young- from surf trips to Santa Cruz, roadtrips for skiing and even paragliding! He would tell stories of logging and skiing in Idaho and life as a ski instructor/avalanche patrol at Snowbird in Utah. At age 25, he earned his license as a respiratory therapist from Foothill College. He would always laugh about the craziness of the early days working in hospitals. He especially loved working with kids at Stanford’s Children’s Hospital, being silly and playful was very natural for him. In 1981 he went to Somalia with Doctors Without Borders. This was an incredible experience that he always would reflect on. By ‘87 he and his business partner had begun Respiratory Care Professionals. This was an in-home oxygen care business that really solidified his dedication to his patients and his community.
With a lifetime of stories and accomplishments to his name, not to forget when he became a pilot-his greatest and proudest of all, was his family. He married the love of his life, Jennifer in March of ‘85. He fell in love with her easy way of being & Aloha Spirit. Together they raised their kids, Grace & Matthew with Aloha and the spirit of Ohana. As a family, they were always camping, fishing, flying or surfing, with many visits to Maui and frequent adventures around the United States. He loved being a dad and husband.
Peter and Jen found their way to Holy Eucharist Church, which reignited the strength in his faith. He never truly recovered from Jen’s death in 2008- but his humor, charm and “never give up attitude” wasn’t dulled. His need to keep going kept him working in real estate, traveling and farming his award-winning avocados. Finally, he turned his focus towards his sobriety &we are proud to say he was sober until the end.
Always an animal lover, Peter would spend his recent mornings at the Aptos dog park-cowboy boots on, coffee in hand. He really loved his newfound routine & friends, talking about music, movies, current events, and the good old days. But most importantly- giving big loves and lots of treats to all the dogs. He will truly be missed.
Peter was survived by his children Grace and Matthew Callahan, his siblings: Marge, Tim, Michael, Terry, Danny, and their families. He is proceeded in death by his wife, Jennifer Elliott Callahan, his parents, John and Muriel, and his eldest brother Sean Callahan.
Grace and Matthew want to thank you all for the continued love and support.
All are invited to a funeral Mass on Thursday, November 7th at 11 AM at Holy Eucharist Church in Corralitos with a celebration of life to follow at Seacliff State Beach.
In Lieu of flowers please send donations to PO BOX 1031 Aptos, Ca 95003 for a future memorial, thank you.