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Laurence J. O'Callaghan, Sr.

Laurence J. O'Callaghan, Sr.

Nov 17, 1935 - Jan 23, 2025


Laurence J. O'Callaghan, Sr. - Obituary

L

aurence “Larry” O’Callaghan, Sr., 89, a 60-year resident of District Heights, MD died peacefully at his home on January 23, 2025. Born on November 17, 1935 in Washington, DC, Larry attended Gonzaga High School before graduating from Eastern High School. Larry served his country in the US Army Airborne Special Forces from 1954 to 1956. Larry began his career at PEPCO in 1957 as a Relay Tester. There he met the love of his life, Marlene. They married in 1959, started their life and welcomed 6 beautiful children into their family. He attended The George Washington University, receiving his BS in Electrical Engineering in 1967. He later attended Loyola College, receiving his MBA in 1981. He also attended the Public Utility Executive Program at the University of Michigan in 1978. Larry enjoyed a 35-year career with PEPCO, retiring as the Director of Fuels in 1992. He later enjoyed a second career as a math teacher at St. Mary of the Assumption School where he taught for 10 years, and as a math teacher and bookstore manager at Bishop McNamara High School for 10 years. Larry was a devout Catholic who dedicated years of service to Mt. Calvary Church and School. He had a passion for teaching math, mentoring the math team and tutoring students for many years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Name Society, the Southern MD Rock and Mineral Club, and an All American Member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association. In his spare time, Larry enjoyed traveling with Marlene through the mountain states, especially Montana and Wyoming. He was also an avid collector. Love, kindness, generosity, dedication, and community service were Larry’s hallmark traits. He loved his family without limit and enjoyed lifelong friendships. You could always count on him for a friendly greeting, warm smile and a witty joke. Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Marlene O’Callaghan; his loving children, Laurence (Sharon) O’Callaghan, Jr., Kathleen (Rich) Sidney, Mary Gessner, Eileen (Roger) Brown, Christine Mauser, and Margaret (Pete) Gahles; his grandchildren, David (Jenna) Sidney, Sean O’Callaghan, Nicholas (Katelyn) Gessner, Christopher (Megan) Gessner, Bryan (Casey) Mauser, David Mauser, Matthew Null, Timothy Null, Kevin Brown, Amanda (Jay) Robbins, Rachel Brown, and Sarah (Lukas) Goehring; and 6 great-grandchildren. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Larry’s life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Friday, January 31 from 3 to 6 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 14908 Main St., Upper Marlboro, MD on Saturday, February 1 at 11 am. Interment Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, Montana (112 St. Labre Campus Drive, Ashland, MT 59003 or online here) or YMCA of Metropolitan Washington (ATTN: Allison Jones, 1325 W St NW, Suite A, Washington, DC 20009 or online here). Online condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.