Robert M. Callaghan

SUN CITY WEST - Robert M. Callaghan passed away peacefully in "the place he loved the best, Sun City West" on Sept. 16, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Vera Barbini Callaghan. Mr. Callaghan and his wife were two of the original pioneers of Sun City West, where they were involved with many singing, dancing and performing clubs. Mr. Callaghan authored the words and lyrics of the Sun City West anthem that was sung by the Westernaires for many years and is reprinted in the book "Sun City West silver celebration: the first 25 years." As part of a small troupe named The Music Makers, Mr. Callaghan and his singing machine entertained at nursing homes and senior centers throughout the West Valley. During World War II Mr. Callaghan served with the U.S. Army earning two battle stars. With the 186th Combat Engineers he was part of the invasion of Luzon, the battle of Balete Pass, and was one of the first Americans into Japan after the war to help begin the rebuilding process. He served again during the Korean War as part of the 28th Infantry Division. Born and raised in Steelton, Pa., Mr. Callaghan spent his career working for the U.S. Air Force at Olmstead AFB in Pennsylvania and later at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma providing logistical support for the navigation systems of the Air Force planes. He was preceded in death by brother, William; sisters, Agnes Gallant and Mary Patricia; parents, William and Marguerite Kennedy Callaghan; and grandaughter, Angela Scarbrough. He is survived by a son, Robert Callaghan, Jr., and wife, LaDonna, of Sun City West; two daughters, Patricia Pritchard and husband, Mahlon, of Coatesville, Pa., and Judy Scarbrough, of Sun City West; along with six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. In accordance with their wishes, Mr. Callaghan will be cremated and, along with his wife, will be interred at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Pennsylvania at a later date.