William John Callnan, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Best known as “Bill” to friends and “Billy” to his seven siblings, he grew up in Houlton, Maine on a potato farm. Bill was the second oldest of eight children. With his six brothers (Dennis, Paul, Tim, Andy, Peter, and Jim) and one sister (Jane), he enjoyed the freedom and independence that a farm provides. Wild and harrowing stories of brothers being “planted” in the fields, driving a Farmall, ice-skating on rivers, and even once stealing a whole dollar to feast on candy bars (which he immediately regretted) captivated many at the dinner table as he retold his childhood adventures. One particular favorite was the story of the kids with their mother, Evelyn, booby-trapping the house to catch their eldest brother Dennis coming home after curfew. Though plenty of fun was had, responsibility was also a solid component of farm life; this steadfast sense of maturity and dedication followed a young Bill into his school days and beyond.

Dedicated to his studies, Bill was Houlton High School Class of 1967’s Valedictorian and Class President. He was accepted to Boston College and received a Masters in mathematics, and later went on to become a Fellow of the Societies of Actuaries (FSA). With these credentials, Bill landed his first job at National Life in Montpelier, Vermont, where he worked for 26 years.

A virtual human calculator, Bill wore many hats on the job, and his work was crucial to his department. During his tenure at National Life, he secured the position as Vice President of Actuarial Services. In 1996, Bill decided to retire early to spend more time with his family. After early retirement, together with Carla Lawrence, he founded Actuarial Services of Central Vermont. Carla and Bill ran this successful business from an office in Waterbury, Vermont, from 1996-2016. Their clients included the Vermont State Colleges, Catholic Dioceses, National Life, and the Vermont Guaranty Association.

Another endeavor very near to Bill’s heart was his work for the Gary Home, a residential care home in Montpelier. For many years, Bill chaired the board. He was integral in Gary Home’s expansion to include West View Meadows and later to the Gary Home Residence. The focus was always providing the best care for residents, not on making profits.

Though there are many accolades and accomplishments in Bill’s life, one of the most defining traits of his is that of a family man. He adored and was the biggest fan of his children, Brian, Pam, Linda and Will. Days growing up in the Middlesex Callnan household meant weekends camping, dips in the brook, summer trips to Lake Memphremagog and Lake Seymour, and hiking Mount Hunger (while looking for the “most interesting thing” along the way). This competitive and elusive search kept his four children moving excitedly up the rugged terrain. Other highlights also included summer pilgrimages to the Maine family farm with stops at Baxter State Park. Bill and kids loved the "slippery rocks” (a fun section of the river where swimmers can slide down the smooth stone on their backsides).

Bill also loved cross-country skiing with his family through the trails in their back woods, gardening, picking fiddleheads, playing golf, and sitting on the back deck looking out at deer, an occasional bear, and for years, a rambunctious fox in the field.

Middlesex and community were very special to Bill. He coached a little league baseball team (the Bisons), and Rumney’s girls basketball team for many years. As a coach, his core focus was on skill development and collaboration. Bill also volunteered to help at town corn roasts and spent many a late night slowly covering the rink at Rumney with a new layer of fresh ice.

Later, in Bill and wife Sandy’s empty nest days, they enjoyed many cruises together with friends and family. A few of Bill’s favorites visits include: the Falkland Islands and Versailles, France. On the ship, Bill especially loved looking out from his balcony at the ocean’s great expanse.

As Vermont winters became less fun to shovel out from, Bill and Sandy acquired a Florida condo in Delray Beach. Here, Bill loved to swim in the pool, visit with friends at the club house, and teach folks how to play bridge. Bill and Sandy are truly thankful for their Florida friends.

Friends have always been important. As a young married couple, Bill and Sandy were fortunate enough to create “The Supper Club” with lifelong friends Abe and Andy Lewis, the Lawrences, Rivetts, and Redmonds. Together, they shared many meals, played lots of cards, shared countless laughs, and watched their children grow up.

Bill’s health declined in his final years with the symptoms of Multiple Systems Atrophy, and he spent his final days at home on Shady Rill with close family and friends.

Bill is survived by loving wife of 55 years Sandra “Sandy” Callnan, son Brian (Orsolya) Callnan, daughter Pamela (Justin) Hartman, daughter Linda (James) McCuen and son William John Callnan III (Nicole Ballere); brothers Timothy (Susan) Callnan, Paul (Cindy) Callnan, James (Cheryl) Callnan, Peter Callnan (husband John Hennessey), and brother-in-law Richard Mitchell II; mother-in-law Bernice Schaaf; grandchildren Torin, Luca, Cora, Aidan, Keian, Levon, Gavin, and Evelyn; honorary grandchildren Hayden, Madison, and Yvonne Roberge; and many more extended family and friends, including his Uncle Francis (Ellen), Aunt Mary, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins. Bill was predeceased by parents Donald and Evelyn Callnan, brothers Andy and Dennis Callnan, and sister Jane Mitchell.

The family sends their deepest appreciation to all of those that have supported them during this difficult time.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 7th, at Saint Augustine's Catholic Church in Montpelier, Vermont.

Arrangements are in the care of Guare & Sons Funeral Home. To share online condolences, please visit www.guareandsons.com.