Dennis M. Callaghan

Created by Dennis M. Callaghan: 7/26/2019 Modified: 10/30/2022 I was born on October 18, 1944, in Sioux City, Iowa. I was the oldest of four siblings of Maurice and Jean Callaghan. I spent the first 18 years of my life living/working/enjoying life on various farms in Woodbury County, near the town of Anthon. I attended a one room country school for 2 years, a catholic school for 4 years, and Climbing Hill School which consolidated with Moville. I graduated in 1963 from Woodbury Central. One week after graduation I enlisted in the U.S. Army for a three-year stint, with a fellow class mate- under the “buddy system.” We went to basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, then on to MOS training at Fort Belvoir, VA. Upon completion of our schools, I was given orders to report to Fort Myer, VA; he was given orders for S. Korea (so much for the ‘buddy System”). I spent the remainder of my military time at Fort Myer with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). Towards the end of my time at Fort Myer, I was sent to MDW, adjacent to Fort McNair, Washington, DC, for temporary duty for just 6 weeks. It was there my life changed. I met the smartest, most beautiful woman, who became my best friend, and love of my life. I fell in love on our second date (or maybe before). Then one week after I was discharged from the Army, Sue Jenkins became Sue Callaghan, in Laurel, DE on June 11, 1966. She became my rock; my reason for living; my reason to continue to try to improve myself; my everything. There was never anyone more caring and supporting of me. She is the reason that my life was so enjoyable, full, and HAPPY. I tried my hand at some college courses at the U. of MD at college park while we lived in the D.C. metro area. Finding that a bit overwhelming at the time, I tried my hand at working in the automotive field. In 1972 we had our first child, Chris, and decided that the city was no place to raise children. We made the decision to move to the Eastern Shore. We were traveling up and down Rte. 50 so much anyway on the weekends, we just decided to help ease the traffic congestion. I worked in the automotive field as a mechanic. After listening to advice from several more experienced coworkers, I changed jobs and started with Delmarva Power. Finding out I was going to work for them was a happy day for Sue and me. Shortly thereafter, in 1975 we had our second child, Jill. I worked for Delmarva Power, starting out as a Lineman, a Distribution Controller, a System Operator and ending as a Supervisor of the Bay Region Operations Center. I retired from Delmarva Power after 30 years. While working and living the eastern shore lifestyle, the Atlantic beaches became my getaway. Fishing trips with neighbors on weekends became a staple. With Lewes Beach being the favorite, it was there I tried my hand at sailing and thoroughly enjoyed it. Small boats at first, but like any sport or hobby I always wanted something bigger and better. In my younger years jogging became my passion. Alone, on the back roads for an hour or so each day was good therapy. My spiritual involvement began in earnest at All Saints Episcopal Church in Delmar. I have served the Church in many capacities through the years. I truly loved every job that I ever worked. I especially loved all the people, coworkers, supervisors, that helped me along the way. To them I THANK YOU. I began the retirement years in 2002. Sue and I decided it was time to do some traveling. But with a recent addition of our dog, Molly, we soon settled on traveling RV style. It just made life simpler and easier. Over the course of my retirement, we were able to travel almost the entire US. We have spent at least one night in an RV in every state in the lower US. It was sort of a ‘bucket list’ that evolved after retirement. Please do not waste money on flowers. If you really want to create a bit of a memory for me kindly give or do something for the local Humane Society/animal shelter. My wish would be to have my ashes scattered among several places which hold special memories for me.

Dennis M. Callaghan

October 18, 1944 - September 13, 2024