Kelly Callihan Obituary, Death – On Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 9:45 in the morning, 65-year-old Nova resident Kelly M. Callihan passed away at Fairview Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. James Robert and Maridean (née Schilling) Callihan welcomed their first child on March 25, 1958, and he was born to them in Bay Village, Ohio. Kelly is a member of the Class of 1976 from Avon Lake High School. He served a four-year apprenticeship with the IBEW local 129.
On February 19, 1977, he wed the love of his life, the former Lora Syphers. Kelly headed up the family business his dad established in 1988 as President of Callihan Electric. Kelly’s legacy lives on through his union-based company, which takes great pride in its master craftsmanship and ethical practices. His dedication to his work was unparalleled, and he thrived when he was keeping busy. Kelly spent 44 years as a devoted member of IBEW Local 129. He led the local Cleveland chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association as its president of the Lake Erie division.
Kelly also spent a lot of time involved with the International Association of Electrical Inspectors. He was a devoted family man who spent his time away from business with his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed hosting parties and getting the family together. Kelly’s hobbies included hunting, rooting for the Cleveland Indians, and riding his Harley. He coached his four sons’ little league teams when they were younger. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Lora Callihan of Nova; his mother, Maridean Callihan of Ashland; three sons, Jack (Virginia) Callihan of Nova, Rusty (Crystal) Callihan of Nova, and Toby (Melissa Burwell) Callihan of Nova; seven grandchildren.
Haley, Emily, Jaycee, Kail, Case, Kora, and Cavin; and three sisters, Kim (Mike) Gorman of Oberlin, Kerry (Parker) Nelson of Ashland, and Kris (Kevin) Hickey of Norwalk. Kelly’s family includes his father, James Robert Callihan; son, Matthew James Callihan; and brother, Kip Callihan, all of whom had passed on before him. Funeral services will be place at Southview Grace Brethren Church on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Zachary Hess officiating. Nova Cemetery will be used for the interment.
After the burial service in the cemetery, everyone is invited to the Callihan Pavilion for a supper and time of fellowship. On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the Mapleton High School gymnasium will be open for visitation. The address is 1 Mountie Drive, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
