Charles ‘Fred’ Callihan 1941-2025

Fred was born May 8, 1941, in Friendship, a suburb of Portsmouth. He was the son of the late Jacob “Red” Callihan and Julie “Ann” Pollard Callihan.

He married his high school sweetheart, Floda Summerfield, on June 30, 1961. Together, they shared 63 years of marriage and raised four children.

In 1967, Fred and Floda, along with their young family, moved to Girard for Fred to begin a career in the steel industry. He worked hard to provide for his family and retired after many years of dedicated service. His retirement was filled with health, happiness and the simple joys of life.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Fred played baseball in his youth and was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Guardians — though he refused to call them anything but the Indians. Football also was dear to his heart and he was a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan, faithfully proclaiming each season, “Well, maybe next year.” Fred also cheered for The Ohio State Buckeyes, YSU Penguins and Girard Indians.

In addition to sports, Fred loved the outdoors and found joy in watching the deer and birds visiting his backyard. He enjoyed taking daily walks with his beloved dog, Ranger, and had a deep respect for Native American culture and beliefs, oftentimes turning to their wisdom for answers to health questions and concerns. He also enjoyed old Western films, and listening to bluegrass and classic country music — pastimes that frequently amused and occasionally exasperated his wife.

Fred had a full life filled with family, friends and joy. He will be greatly missed but will always be remembered for his teasing, hijinks and humor. Happy trails to him, until we meet again.

Fred is survived by his wife, Floda Callihan; his four children, Tammy (Raymond) King, Terri (Robert) McMasters, Michael Callihan, all of Girard, and Patrick (Kimberly) Callihan of Liberty Township; two grandchildren, Jacob Patrick Callihan and Nicholas Michael Callihan, both of Liberty Township; his sister, Frances Summerfield of Vienna; his brother, Joseph (Carolyn) Callihan of Stout; and many extended family members and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Lee Callihan, and a sister, Susan Conley.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of Fred’s life at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Girard First Baptist Church, 7 E. Kline St., Girard.

In lieu of flowers, Fred’s family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County via its website, www.awlrescueme.com/donate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Girard. Visit kinnickfuneralhome.com to share this obituary and to send condolences to Fred’s family.

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