James A. Callanan

James Albert Callanan, 82, died Saturday, February 26 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Brockton surrounded by his loving family after a short illness. He was the beloved husband of Evelyn (DeVito) Callanan for 58 years. Born in South Boston, son of the late William and Nora Callanan , he was raised and educated in Canton and a graduate of Canton High School, class of 1948. He was a Veteran of the US Army from 1950-52. Mr. Callanan worked as a grocer with several local businesses before assuming the ownership of the DeVito family business, Stoughton Variety in 1972 which he ran with his wife Evelyn for 24 years retiring in 1997.
Jim was a life member of the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Stoughton Historical Society. While involved with the Chamber of Commerce, he began the Stoughton Christmas Parade, and was actively involved with that event for 16 years. He was named Man of the Year by the Chamber in 1991 and honored in 2008 as the Grand Marshall of the Christmas parade. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, making holiday decorations for his yard, gardening, and spending special time with his family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his beloved daughters, Anne Klim and her husband Brian of Stoughton, Kathleen Babini and her husband Michael of Plymouth, Janice Byron and her husband Patrick of Stoughton and Beth McNamara and her husband James of Lakeville. He was also the proud grandfather of Sarah and Erin Klim, Nora Dolan and her husband Michael, Colleen, Sean and Mikaela Byron, and Kathryn, Mary, James, Daniel and Joanna McNamara as well as the cherished great-grandfather to James, David, Evelyn and Sophia. He was the brother of the late Joseph, William and Michael Callanan, Mary Horgan, Anna Callanan and Catherine Callanan. He was the son-law in of the late Joseph and Anna DeVito. In addition, he leaves many loving nieces and nephews and cousins.
Funeral will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt.27) Stoughton on Wednesday at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at St. James Church, Stoughton at 10 AM. Visiting Hours Tuesday from 3-8 PM. Burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Stoughton. Donations in Jim's Memory may be made to the James Callanan Memorial Music Scholarship at Stoughton High School, c/o Harbor One Credit Union, 95 Washington St., Canton, MA 02021.