Obituary of Lee W. Callahan

To view the funeral service at CenterPoint Community Church on Saturday, January 11 at 12:30pm.  click on the following link. 

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 Lee W. Callahan, retired Burlington Fire Chief, peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on the morning of Monday, January 6, 2025. He was 71 years old.

Born in Woburn, Lee was one of five sons to Daniel and Jean (Crawford) Callahan. He grew up in Burlington and graduated from Burlington High School in 1971. Lee later earned his Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Middlesex Community College and his Bachelor’s Degree in Fire and Emergency Management from Rivier University.

Lee began his career with the Burlington Fire Department in 1978. Over the next 30 years, through his dedication and hard work, he rose through the ranks. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1993, Assistant Chief in 2002, and Fire Chief in 2004. After 32 years of service, Lee retired in June 2010. He was a mentor and a role model to all the firefighters, respected for his unwavering faith, dignity, and the kindness he showed to everyone around him. Lee led by example, always setting high standards for fire safety and the behavior expected within the firehouse. While he cherished his role as a firefighter, he also committed himself to learning how to be a strong, compassionate leader. He valued honesty, was always willing to listen, and made sure to support his team by fighting for their best training and equipment, and always having their backs. Lee believed in the importance of learning from mistakes, making space for growth, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the fire service.

Lee had a profound trust in the systems that had helped him rise through the ranks, but he understood the importance of change, whether in management, procedures, or technology in order to ensure the safety of his crew and the protection of the Burlington community. Each time the bell rang and a truck rolled out, Lee prayed for the safe return of his firefighters and the well-being of those in need. This responsibility weighed heavily on him, but he carried it with grace until his retirement.

Beyond his work in the fire department, Lee represented the Burlington community in many ways. He hosted the Burlington Cable Access Television show "Fireworks" and served as the Regional Director of the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International. In 1993, he was honored with the “Recognition of Service Above and Beyond the Call of Duty” from the Town of Burlington for his heroic efforts. Reflecting on his career in a retirement interview, Lee humbly said, “I have been blessed to rise to a leadership position and work with some incredible people, both at the department and in other town departments.” It was this humility and thoughtful nature that made him such a beloved Chief.

Lee was a man of deep faith, which guided him throughout his life. He was active in every church he attended, serving as a choir member in three different congregations. He served as Deacon, Elder, and a member of the Safety Committee at Centerpoint Community Church in Salem, NH. He had a desire for sharing his faith and loved engaging in one-on-one conversations. He attended Bible study and even preached when called upon. His faith inspired others to reflect on their own lives and prioritize what was truly important.

Lee was a devoted son who lovingly supported his parents, especially his mother. He was blessed to have two remarkable women in his life. His first wife, Maryanne (Weisse) Callahan, whom he met as a teenager while working at Spence Farm, and with whom he shared 36 wonderful years. His second wife, Candace (Burbine-Wade) Callahan, whom he had been friends with long before they married 14 years ago. Together, they filled each other’s lives with love and joy during their retirement years. Lee was also a strong role model, a devoted father, and a source of wisdom and guidance to his children. He took great pride in watching them grow into responsible, compassionate adults. Above all, Lee cherished his role as a grandfather to his thirteen grandchildren, attending their events, activities, and sporting events whenever possible.

When surrounded by close friends and family, Lee’s reserved public persona would melt away, and he became a source of great wit, humor, and warmth.

Lee’s absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy, through his work in the Burlington Fire Department, his church, and, most of all, in the hearts of his family, will live on. He will be lovingly remembered and never forgotten.

Lee was the beloved husband of Candace (Burbine-Wade) Callahan of Salem, NH and the late Maryanne (Weisse) Callahan.  He was the loving father of Erin Stevens & her husband Scott of Salem, NH, David Callahan & his wife Heather of Plaistow, NH, Scott Wade & his wife Heather of Andover, and Kelly Wade-Rolon & her husband Dennis of Bloomingburg, NY.  He was the proud grandfather of Owen, Isobel, & Chloe Callahan, Ryleigh, Keira, and Kaden Stevens, Timothy Burditt, Julia & Grace Wade, and Connor, Emily, Cameron, & Emmi Rolon.  Lee was the brother of William Callahan & his wife Christine of Burlington, Richard Callahan & his wife Marcia of Billerica, Wayne Callahan & his wife Joanne of Burlington, and John “Jake” Callahan & his wife Holly of Woburn.  Lee was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home on Friday, January 10 beginning with a firefighter walk-through at 3:30pm. The public wake will begin at 4pm and continue to 7pm, and on Saturday from 9 to 9:45am.  On Saturday, the funeral procession will travel by the Burlington Fire Department on route to Pine Haven Cemetery, 84 Bedford Street, Burlington for a 10:30am graveside service.  There will be a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, January 11 at the CenterPoint Community Church, www.centerpointsalem.org, 101 School St., Salem, NH at 12:30pm.

Memorials in Lee’s name may be made to the Leary Firefighters Foundation, www.learyfirefighters.org, 33 Park Place Box 243, New York, NY, 10007.

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net

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