Michael J. Callahan

ELMIRA – Michael J. Callahan, 68, of Elmira, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 8, 2021, at Arnot Ogden Medical Center.Born on December 30, 1952 in Elmira, NY, he was the son of the late Raymond and Rita (Cain) Callahan. He was a lifelong communicant of St. Mary’s Church and a member of the Elmira Ancient Order of Hibernians.He worked at ID Booth for more than 35 years. Mike was an avid sports fan, especially passionate of the NY Yankees and the NY Giants.He was a batboy for the Elmira Pioneers and later became the official scorekeeper for the team due to his extensive knowledge of players’ stats.Michael was also a respected scorekeeper for CYO Basketball. To some it may have appeared like Mike had a bias towards his siblings, but everyone knows he was a true “homer.”Mike reveled in his role as official umpire from his throne on the front porch during the Baty Street whiffle ball games, with his most famous outburst; “he’s out!”; all while listening to Phil Rizzuto announce the Yankee games on the radio.Mike and former Dodgers Manager Tommy Lasorda passed on the same day.God bless their souls. Word from heaven says that Mike was chastising Manager Lasorda about his Yankees dominance over the Dodgers as they both walked through the pearly gates, with Mike saying “Dodgers got beat!” Within our family, nobody needed to remember birthdays or anniversary’s because you knew Mike would call first thing in the morning with well wishes. His knack for numbers and dates was astonishing! He is survived by his siblings, Kevin (AnnMarie) Callahan, Patrick (Diane) Callahan, Kathleen Callahan, Terrence (Melinda) Callahan, Timothy (Melanie) Callahan, Bridget (Timothy) Belloma, Mary (Jeffery) Johnson, Brian (Romy) Callahan, Daniel (Brenda) Callahan, Eileen (Tony) Coolbaugh; numerous nieces and nephews; and his loyal friend, Frank Messina. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Wednesday, January 13, 2020 at St. Mary’s Church, 224 Franklin St. in Elmira.Burial will follow in St Peter & Paul's Cemetery in Elmira. The family will host a celebration of life at a later date. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.olthof.com