Theodore J. Calnan

Theodore J. Calnan, 96, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in New Bedford, Ted was the son of the late Charles J. Calnan, Jr. and Mary Ann (Sanecki) Calnan. He was the devoted husband of the late Ellen L. (Curry) Calnan, who predeceased him on December 4, 2002. Ted and Ellen were married on August 10, 1957, at Saint Lawrence Church in New Bedford.

A lifelong resident of New Bedford, Ted graduated from New Bedford High School in 1948 and continued his studies at the New Bedford Textile School, now UMass Dartmouth. From 1952 to 1954, he proudly served as a medic during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Hong Kong and Japan. After his service, he earned a master's degree in education from Bridgewater State College.

Following his military service, Ted began a distinguished career in education with the New Bedford Public Schools, teaching Science at Keith Junior High before moving to New Bedford High School, where he taught Chemistry and Physics for many years. His leadership skills led him to become Science Department Chair and Assistant Principal at the County Street campus. He played a key role in overseeing the construction and transition to the new high school on Hathaway Boulevard, where he served as Blue Housemaster, Administrative Assistant (Assistant Headmaster), and ultimately Headmaster. Ted holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Headmaster in the school's history, leading for 18 years until his retirement in 1992. Among his proudest achievements was accepting the Flag of Excellence in Education from President Ronald Reagan in 1984 on behalf of New Bedford High School, a moment he treasured throughout his life.

In addition, Ted served on the Board of Directors of the New Bedford Credit Union for many years. He was a devoted parishioner at St. Lawrence and Holy Name Churches in New Bedford, attending both weekend and daily Mass. Ted cherished time with his family, finding his greatest joy with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his four children: James A. Calnan and his wife Carol R. of Freetown; Cathleen M. Riley and her husband Thomas E. of Milton; John C. Calnan and his wife Lisa J. of Westport; and Dorothy M. Costa and her husband James F. of New Bedford. Ted also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: James F. Costa and his partner Hannah Hennessy; Noreen E. Flynn and her husband Kevin; Ellen P. Costa and her partner Ryan Magina; Ian P. Calnan and his wife Jenna; Elizabeth C. Calnan; Patrick J. Riley; and Meagan C. Riley. He was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Shay E. Calnan and Gilbert J. Flynn, and eagerly anticipated the arrival of a great-grandson, Jack Costa.

In addition, he is survived by two sisters, Janet Calnan-Gallo of New Bedford and Nancy Sylvia and her husband Vincent of Sarasota, Florida, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Donald F. Calnan, and his wife Bernice (Powers) Calnan.

Ted's legacy of service, leadership, and love for his family and community, especially New Bedford High School, will be remembered by all who know him.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Holy Name Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. The family will receive visitors at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Saint Mary's Cemetery. Services will be live-streamed and can be accessed through the Holy Name Parish website: https://whalingcitycatholics.org/holy-name-of-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-parish/. Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Theodore J. Calnan Memorial Scholarship and mailed to New Bedford High School, 230 Hathaway Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02740.