R A. O’Callaghan passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, at his home in Rye on February 9, 2021 with his family by his side. He was 85.
Born in Manhattan on March 14, 1935, Tony, as he was known, was the son of Harold and Julia O’Callaghan.
He met the love of his life and wife of 63 years, Mary Elinor (Allen) when they were just 12 years old. Their first “date” was at Walter’s Hot Dog Stand on Palmer Avenue across from Mamaroneck School, which they both attended.
He attended Duke University, where he played Varsity Tennis, and graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Civil Engineering. Shortly after graduation, he joined his father, Harold, at the company he founded, Universal Builders Supply. UBS, as the family called it, earned a worldwide reputation for excellence on high-profile projects, including the Statue of Liberty, Washington Monument, Grand Central Terminal, Jefferson Memorial, Madison Square Garden, and Yankee Stadium, as well as significant work throughout Europe and the Middle East.
Mr. O’Callaghan retired as chairman of UBS in 2010. After his retirement, he and his wife continued to dedicate their time and financial resources to multiple charities.
What was always most apparent to his sons while growing up was their father’s love and respect for their mother. “Dad was always clear about how important it was that all of us stand when Mom came to the dinner table, that we pull out her chair, and thank her for the meal we were about to share. The love and respect he showed our mom was the basis for the important lesson he taught us, to respect and cherish family and friends.” The O’Callaghan sons related that they stand when their own wives and daughters come to the table and have imparted the same lessons to their sons, for which they thank their father.
In addition to his wife, Mary El, Mr. O’Callaghan is survived by his five sons, Tony, Kevin, Chris, Scott, Craig. and their families, as well as his 14 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored.
The funeral will be private. The service will be live streamed February 12 at 10 a.m. at www.resrye.org/live-mass. Online condolences can be expressed at www.grahamfuneralhomerye.com.
Donations in Mr. O’Callaghan’s memory may be made to Calvary Hospice at Home, https://www.calvaryhospital.org/, or St. Vincent’s Hospital Westchester, https://www.stvincentswestchester.org/.
