Jerome Joseph Callaghan

MIDDLETOWN, RI - Jerome Joseph Callaghan Sr., 73, of 322 Mitchells Lane, Middletown, RI, passed away Tuesday morning with his loving wife, Katy, by his side, at the Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. His children were all with him in his last few days. He was the husband of Katherine Betsch Callaghan. Born in Taunton, MA, on January 25, 1933, he was the son of the late John Kensington and Anna Rheaume Callaghan. Jerome was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Jerry graduated from Bridgewater State College in 1955 where he met his wife Katherine Madeline Betsch. They were married in September of 1955. Jerry and Katy celebrated their 50th wedding Anniversary this past September with their family and friends. They moved to Aquidneck Island in 1956. A true Islander, he loved this incredible place. He began his 31-year career in the Middletown School System, first as a teacher, and then as an administrator. He established the first data processing system for the Middletown School Department and helped to create the computer education department at Middletown High School. Jerry received his masters in education at Providence College. Following his retirement from the school system, Jerry Katy relocated to Leucadia, CA. He took a job with Logicon as a computer quality control specialist and they remained in their western home for 10 years. They then returned to their Middletown family home of 45 years. He was an avid sportsman and athlete. He coached Babe Ruth and American Legion Baseball. Jerry loved fishing and gardening. His greatest joy was his family. He was a mentor and great friend to all his family and many friends. He was the best ?Pops? ever to his seven grandchildren. His great sense of humor and positive outlook was an inspiration to all that have known him. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Jerome ?Chip? J. Callaghan Jr. of Middletown, RI, John K. Callaghan and his wife Sheryl Dunn Callaghan of Middletown, RI, and New York City, NY, James ?Tom? Thomas Callaghan and his wife Tami Grosgebauer Callaghan of Ogden, UT, Jeffrey P. Callaghan and his wife Geremie Anson Callaghan of New York City, NY, Stasia C. Anthony and her husband Jeffrey E. Anthony of Portsmouth, RI, and Katherine C. Toland and her husband Jones Toland of Princeton, NJ, and seven grandchildren James Padraic Callaghan, Emily M. Callaghan, Brittany A. Anthony, Stasia E. Callaghan, Jacob G. Callaghan, Owen J. Toland IV, and Aubrey R. Toland. He was also the brother of the late John ?Jack? Callaghan Jr.His wife and family honor his request for no funeral services.A party to celebrate his life will be held this July.