Comments on: Former Decatur Mayor Ted O’Callaghan Passes

By: Fred Boykin

Fred Boykin — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:47:10 +0000

I got to know Ted after he’d left local politics and have always been glad I had the chance to get to know him. He and his wife, Jean, were very involved with the Decatur Rotary Club – and Rotary in general.

He was a B-17 pilot during WW II and his plane was shot down over enemy territory. He told me the story one time – he was the last guy out of the plane and had to remove his shoe as it was stuck in the rudder pedal. If I remember right, all of his crew made it safely to the ground, the partisans found them and got them back to friendly lines. It was an amazing story.

About 15 years ago, Peachtree-DeKalb had an airshow with a still flying B-17 in the show. I invited Ted to join me and when we got there, I told the crew who he was and what he had done. They gave him the royal tour and made a big deal out of it. He really enjoyed it. I got some great photos of him standing next to the huge tail and send copies to him and Jean.

I’ve always been glad I took the time to do that.

By: Lyn

Lyn — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:14:19 +0000

He was a good, kind man who was positive, encouraging and always made you feel like he was happy to see you. He loved this city and did much to move it forward.

By: karass

karass — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:29:04 +0000

The obituary also left me wishing I’d known the guy. My knowledge of Decatur mayoral history begins with Mike Mears and Elizabeth Wilson; now I’m wishing I knew more.

By: Parker Cross

Parker Cross — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:47:26 +0000

That obituary makes me wish I had known him. “If we don’t get them, the Kiwanis will.” Love that.

By: Davo

Davo — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:57:34 +0000

My thoughts and thanks go out today to the O’Callaghan clan and their patriarch Ted. What an amazing and charitable life.