It is with broken hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of Emmett George O’Callaghan of Sydney. Emmett passed on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at home and is now reunited with the love of his life, his wife, Sheila.
Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Daniel and Blanche (Stone) O’Callaghan.
Emmett was employed at MT&T, where he worked for over 40 years. Anyone that knew Emmett knew that he was an avid sportsman. He played organized hockey for more than 50 years, starting with St. Joseph’s School in 1945 and finishing up with the Sydney Millionaire Old Timers in 1997. Emmett had many accomplishments during his hockey career. He won the scoring race with the Sydney Millionaires Jr. team in 1950-1951. He was invited to play for a professional English team, but turned it down as he was starting his family. Emmett’s sporting life also included curling, bowling, soft ball and coaching minor hockey. He was inducted into the Cape Breton Sport Hall of Fame on May 29, 2010.
Dad looked forward, every year, to spending the summer on the Mira. He was at his happiest on the deck surrounded by his family sharing stories and bad jokes. Dad loved his family more than anything and always put them before himself. Emmett’s sense of humor and laugh were contagious, (Have a hot dog!). He will be forever remembered for his warm smile and kind heart. Emmett made a lifetime impact on anyone that he met.
Emmett is survived by his sons, Emmett (D’anne), Tanglewood and Brian (Paula), Sydney; son-in-law, Terry Martell, Sydney; sister, Anna Gillis, Sydney; grandchildren, TJ (Melanie), Brendon (Janell), Sarah (Brennan), Hannah (Jackson) and Brian; and great-grandchildren, Liam, Sofia and Sidney.
He was predeceased by his wife, Sheila Marie (Carroll); daughter, Shauna Martell; sisters, Mary, Rita and Cleo; and brothers, Sid, Earl, Burt, Roy and Stan.
Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa’s Church on Friday, February 26 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dennis Lamey officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to St. Theresa’s Church.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or emailed to sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Emmett George O’Callaghan 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia