William (age 77), best known as “Bill” to friends and “Billy” to his seven siblings, grew up in Houlton, Maine, on a potato farm. Bill was the second-oldest of seven siblings. Together 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 and ice-skating on rivers captivated many at the dinner table as he retold his childhood adventures.
Bill was Houlton High School’s 1967 valedictorian and class president. He received a master’s in mathematics at Boston College and became a Fellow of the Societies of Actuaries (FSA). With these credentials, Bill landed his first job at National Life in Montpelier, Vt., where he worked for 26 years. During his tenure at National Life, he secured the position as vice president of actuarial services. In 1996, Bill retired early from National Life and founded Actuarial Services of Central Vermont with Carla Lawrence. Carla and Bill ran this successful Waterbury, Vt., business for 20 years.
Near to Bill’s heart was his work for the Gary Home, a residential care home in Montpelier. Bill was chair of the board and was proud of Gary Home’s West View Meadows and Gary Home Residence expansions. The focus was always providing the best care for residents, not on making profits.
One of Bill’s most defining traits was 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. Bill also loved cross-country skiing with his family in their backwoods, gardening, picking fiddleheads, playing golf and sitting on the deck looking out at the field.
Middlesex and community were very special to Bill. He coached Little League and Rumney’s girls basketball team for many years, focusing on skill development and collaboration. Bill also volunteered at the town corn roasts and spent many late nights covering Rumney’s rink with new ice.
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, the Rivetts, and the Redmonds. Together, they shared many meals and watched their children grow up.
Bill’s health declined in his final years with the symptoms of multiple system atrophy, and he spent his final days at home on Shady Rill with close family and friends.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sandra “Sandy” Callnan; son Brian (Orsolya) Callnan; daughter Pamela (Justin) Hartman; daughter Linda (James) McCuen; son William John Callnan III (Nicole Ballere); brothers Timothy (Susan) Callnan, Paul ( Cindy) Callnan, James ( Cheryl) Callnan and Peter Callnan (husband John Hennessey ); brother-in-law, Richard Mitchell II; eight grandchildren; and many more extended family and friends. Bill was predeceased by his 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 on Saturday, November 7, 2026, 1 p.m., at Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church in Montpelier, Vt.
Arrangements are in the care of Guare & Sons Funeral Home. To see the full obituary, please visit guareandsons.com.