Timothy Kelly Callahan

Timothy Kelly Callahan, 85, of Ravenna, Ohio, passed away on January 14, 2026.

Born on February 11, 1940, in Canton, Ohio, Tim was the son of the late James and Ruth (Brechbill) Callahan. He grew up in a nursing home, as his mother, a nurse, began caring for elderly patients in their family home, the original Jane Francis of Marlboro Township. From an early age, Tim learned the importance of caring for others, an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to service, dignity, and compassion.

He graduated from Alliance High School in 1958 and married his high school sweetheart, Sherry (Springer), on January 28, 1961. Tim attended Kent State University before entering the family nursing home business.

Tim co-founded and served as administrator of the Jane Francis Nursing Home in Ravenna, built in the early 1960s. His career as a skilled nursing facility administrator spanned several decades and included Altercare of Louisville, Altercare of Wadsworth, and Kingston of Ashland, where he retired in 2010. He was honored with proclamations from then-Senator Bill Harris and Ashland Mayor Glen Stewart in recognition of his service.

Tim was an avid storyteller with a vibrant personality and an unmistakable sense of fun. He loved music, politics, and American history, particularly the Civil War and Native American history, and had a gift for bringing stories to life. A man of faith, he was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ravenna and Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Kent. Above all, he was a kind soul who treated everyone like family. He was well respected in the community and remembered for making others feel welcome and at ease.

Tim is survived by his children, Timothy “Shawn” Callahan of Ravenna and Kelly (Neil) Crislip of Rootstown; his grandchildren, Brianne (Jeff) Norcini of Chardon, Adam Crislip of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Connor Crislip of Kent; and his great-granddaughters, Harper, Madeline, and Collins Norcini. He is also survived by his brother, James Callahan, and his sister, Christine Murphy of Canton.

In addition to his parents, Tim was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry, and his brothers Joe, Mike, and Jeff Callahan.

Cremation has taken place, and private family services are being arranged.