Obituary of Michael Patrick Callahan

Michael Patrick Callahan, 55, of Cape May Court House, NJ, passed away peacefully on August 5th after a long illness. Mike grew up in Wildwood, New Jersey, and lived most of his life in Cape May County. He graduated from Johnson & Wales University, studying business and culinary arts. He worked for many years at the Delaware River Bay Authority and later at the Great American Trolly Company. Mike's friends and family will remember the way he could light up a room with his infectious energy. He loved to gather a crowd over a meal, starting with his signature Caesar salad. He took great joy in creating new traditions like the Champagne Island party he organized for his friends. And Michael had so many friends during his short life. There’s no denying Mike lived large. From his flexible approach to attending high school and the parties he organized without permits, to shooting off his own fireworks and driving a car (and doing it well) years before he had a license, Mike never let rules stand in the way of a good time. Although he suffered many setbacks with his health over the years, Mike remained an optimist, always planning his next adventure. When he got his pilot's license at age 20, he reveled in the freedom of flying to new places. Even when it seemed like his time was short, he continued to look at maps and dream about the places he had been and the places he would go. Mike is survived by his beloved wife Kathy Clark, and by Ashley, Tiffany and Joseph Narciso. He is also survived by his parents, William and Alice, his brothers and sisters, Bill, Mary, Jim, and Jean, his nephews Liam, Soren and Owen, his niece Lola, and by his much-loved dog Sammy. A celebration of Mike's life will be held when we can all be together again. Condolences may be sent to ingersollgreenwoodfh.com