1955 - 2023
Visitation
July 10, 20233 - 5 PM
Dolan Funeral Home 106 Middlesex St. Chelmsford, MA 01863
Funeral
July 10, 20235 PM
Dolan Funeral Home
Richard W. Callery “Coach Cal”, 68, of Lowell, died peacefully in his home on June 29, 2023,
surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Lowell on May 8, 1955, Rick was the son of the late Julia A. (Garbarz) Callery and Joseph
P. Callery Sr. He attended Sacred Heart School, graduated class of 1973 from Lowell High School,
and later attended UMASS Lowell.
Rick grew up as one of eight children in the Sacred Heart Parish. He loved telling childhood
stories about the O’Donnell Park days. He had fond memories of the “wild” Callery holiday
gatherings on Blossom Street, Yankee swaps, and singing with his family. “Ricky” cherished the
unique bond he shared with each one of his seven siblings.
A standout athlete at Lowell High School, Rick later went on to enjoy a 20-year coaching career.
His childhood passion and love of sports allowed him to make an everlasting impact on his
players. He earned the title “Coach Cal” and proudly wore it like a badge of honor. Although
competitive in nature, Rick used the game as a metaphor for life, teaching kids about the
importance of accountability, teamwork, discipline, overcoming adversity, and sportsmanship.
Rick always went the extra mile to ensure his players had a full belly, rides to games, and
memorable experiences both on and off the court.
Rick was an avid gardener and could often be found tending to his vegetables, flower gardens,
and lawn. His green thumb was the envy of the neighborhood. In his final days, he spent time
outdoors admiring the fruits of his labor. When he wasn’t in his backyard, Rick enjoyed long
bike rides, walking his dog Callie, and listening to the Beatles.
Rick cherished the simple things in life. Spending quality time with family was at the top of his
list. He married his grammar school sweetheart “Buffy” with whom he raised three children. His
greatest accomplishment was watching his family succeed and grow. Special memories include
coaching his son Chris, getting to attend Laura and Dan’s wedding, being a grandfather to
Brooke’s kids, Chase, Paige, and Reese, and going to many Celtics games with his son-in-law
Mike.
We are eternally grateful for the love and support this past year, especially from lifelong friends
John Lee, Barney Lewis, Billy Furey, Frank Conway, and Eddie Barrows. These special
relationships and walks down memory lane provided comfort when needed most.
Rick is survived by his wife, Mary Beth; son Christopher Callery of Lowell; his daughters Laura
Myers and her husband Dan of Nashua, NH; Brooke Dubuque and her husband Michael of
Westford, and his grandchildren Chase, Paige, and Reese Dubuque. He is also survived by his
brothers Joseph Callery and his wife Eileen of Methuen, MA, Stephen Callery of Lowell, Robert
“Bucky” Callery of Vermont; and his sisters Deborah Lessard and her husband James of Lowell,
and Judith Hajjar and her husband David of Salisbury, MA; along with many nieces and
nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister Virginia Murphy and brother James “Jimmy” Callery.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Relatives and friends are invited to Rick’s visitation on Monday, July 10th from 3-5 PM with a
memorial service to follow at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ricky’s name to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell.
ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
Ernie and Rita Pigeon
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Ricky was a great guy and an amazing coach. We will miss seeing him riding his bike and hearing his stories.
Gail Brodeur
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Lou has fond memories growing up with him and playing games in his youth . He will be remembered fondly by many friends . Rest in Peace Ricky
ron foley
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I first met Ricky in the 6th or 7th grade. He was the only one on his team with full sideburns. Always a smile on his face. Picked him up one night in high school. He came out wearing a sport coat (no shirt). Over the years I’d bump into him. He always made me laugh. I’ve been truly blessed to have someone like Rick in my life. My deepest condolences to Marybeth and the family. Thank you Cal for all the great O’Donell Park memories! A true class act.
Sean Callery
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RIP Mr. Callery. Always looked forward to our conversations at The Y.
Stuss Sousa
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To Marybeth and the entire Callery family my deepest and sincerest condolences. Rick “RICKY” a great guy and competitor on and off the courts of O’Donnells park. Can still remember the “smooth” jumpers made from all over and trying to cover him. My last conversation with Rick was at Elliot’s hot dog and we sat and talked for an hour about the old neighborhood and HOOP. An old friend from the neighborhood and a gentleman who will surely be missed by all who knew him.
R.I.P. RICK
Mike Downes
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Joe and Bob, my condolences on your brother’s passing.
Mike Downes Bluffton,SC
Gail Borges
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Ricky made me laugh each and every LHS day! Remembering him fondly.
Vera Quinlan Gallagherp
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Dear Deb and Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved brother. He was so accomplished and it seems he lived his life to its fullest. Love & God bless, Babe
William Furey
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My family moved to Gorham St just a few houses away from the Callerys when I was 6. My Mom said there was a little girl and boy named Debbie and Ricky that came to the door and wanted to be our friends! That friendship lasted 60 years..We went to Hampton Beach most every summer with Debbie & Ricky always with us..
Judy & Jim Winters
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Ricky Callery Family
We are so sorry to hear about Ricky, great guy he was. Know we are thinking of you all. Sorry we missed his service.
Judy and Jim Winters
Rich D’Amato
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So sorry to about Ricky’s passing, growing up and hanging around O’Donnell Park I spent many years being schooled by him on the basketball courts his quick stutter step to crossover dribble his drive to hoop easy 2, I couldn’t defend him, suck a great athlete, but even better person, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time RIP Ricky
Jane Jason
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I am saddened to hear of Ricky’s passing. I have known, amd considered the Callerys friends of mine since attending kindergarten with Stevie, and Grammer school at the SHS with again Stevie, Virginia, and Judy. Being lucky enough to grow up in the neighborhood with The Callerys, Lewis, Murphys, Danny Bryan, John Lee, the Kierce twins, Frankie Conway ..Linehans.. I really want to go on… Because those were the best days of my childhood, and the best group of kids you could ever want for friends! And no matter how many years have gone by…or how long it’s been between “sightings”… Those days, and these kids will always be the ones I grew up with, and there is something you never ever forget about those kids, and those days. I feel lucky to have been a part of each and everyones life from our days at O’Donnells Park. Semper Fi
Rest Easy Rick, give Ginia and Jimmy a big hug for me!
O’Donnell Park kids will always be
Mike cowgill
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Ricky always had a smile on when you saw him back in high school and after always had a good conversation when we got together just a great person I’ll miss you my friend
Marlene Price
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To the entire Callery family so sorry to hear about Ricky.
Marlene Price
Kathy Fagan Kirane
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Mary Beth and Family so very sorry to hear about the passing of Ricky, remember Ricky well from our Sacred Heart and LHS days, please know your Family is in my prayers during this difficult time❤️
Bill
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Meet Cal my sophomore year at Keith Academy and we hit it off right away. A tough smart competitor on the football field or basketball court he was the consummate teammate. He introduced me to the O’Donnell Park crew at LHS after Keith closed and recall with great fondness the whole crew. As a lifeguard at O’Donnell’s for two summers I have great memories of afternoon card games in the shade of the porch or heading to the shade of the tree at the far end of the park. He always had a smile and often greeted each other as young elks. RIP Cal Tiki friend and teammate Mel Kulis
Falcon
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Callery,
It sure has been a lot of yrs since I last saw you.
Moved to N.Y., (Lake George), opne up my own business call The Pie House with my late wife, Racheal, had been owning it for 33 yrs.
Was looking forward to hopefully seeing you and everyone else at The 50th. I know that you will be there in spirit. It sure it sat to see such a Good Guy to bite the dust so early in Life. I thought I was all done 3 yrs aog with a major heart attack. Have had a lot of laughs with you at O’Donnell Park. The back of the park where we did a lot of Drinking!!!!!!!!!!!!!
George;s Deli, How many topedos do you think we ate there, Gorham Tap, How many beers did we have there??? To You Totie, Judy, Debbie, and Most of all, You Mary Beth, ONLY wish we had SPENT MORE TIME TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All the softball games, basketball games, swimming in the pool at night, and every other crazy thing we did at O”Donnell park, will ALWAYS BE TREASURE!!!
God Bless you, Callery
Rick McCartney
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Condolences to the entire Callery Family ?
Rick was a very friendly “ nice” guy his entire life, I had the chance to meet Rick way back in 7 grad when we played basketball in the Ecomenical League! Then because of Rick when we entered high school in 1969 we became better friends along with the rest of his friends at O’Donnell park! We had May great times at the beach and mountains with our girlfriends and others! Rick will be missed by his family and the many people that he knew! 68 is too young to pass, hopefully we get hold on this awful disease that takes so many lives over the years? RIP brother until we meet again!
Mike Kalisz
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I am deeply saddened to learn of Ricky’s passing today. I had the pleasure and privilege of playing basketball at LHS with Rick. Ricky was a such a phenomenal athlete, but most of all he was an amazing teammate and even a better person. While Rick was highly competitive, his unselfish play always made his teammates so much better. I have many fond memories of Rick.
The Callery Family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
God Bless,
Mike Kalisz
Hunt Valley, Maryland
Tim callery
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To the callery family, it’s been some time since I’ve seen Ricky my since my dad passed , but any time I did see Ricky he always put a smile on my face he always was in good spirits I’m sure you all cherished a lot of special memories that will be with all of you forever. So sorry for
Your loss. Tim callery
Jim Teague
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I don’t know how I missed this and am so very saddened to learn of Rick’s passing. please accept my deepest condolences.
Ricky Falcon Kierce
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To you MaryBeth,
I really don’t know how to get a hold of you, so I thought I would leave you a message here. I would love to have all of you guys come up here
You would have a free place to stay and eat right here
Plenty of activities to do
I want to talk with everyone at the 50 th. I am hoping to see everyone everyone, John, Barney, Frankie, Debbie Sheehan, Gail, Mary and the list goes on. Anyone else you can think of, like I said plenty of places to for you to sleep as I own 5 cabins. So Please pass the word around.
Ricky Falcon Kierce
Matthew Dao
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I grew up next door to Rick. When I was a kid, he was always taking us the spinners games, Red Sox games etc with his sin he called “bugga”. I once broke his window with a hard baseball and not even for a second was he mad. He just said let’s use whiffle balls from now on. RIP Rick.