Peter was such an important person in our lives, deeply loved and truly missed by all the Theobald’s xxx
donated £100 in memory of Peter
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Peter James O'Callaghan (Passed away 21 May 2026)
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Peter James
Shelter
£325.00
+ Gift Aid of £81.25
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Funeral Director
Peter James O’Callaghan 8Th January 1944 – 21st May 2026 For those of us who knew Peter O’Callaghan well, we knew him as a man who lived life mainly on his own terms, who had little respect for rules and regulations that might limit his personality. He had great respect for the power of speech. Why use one word when a whole paragraph would suffice! He was a man of deep faith in humanity, who was happiest with bare feet, a glass of red wine, and a room full of people ready to listen to a good story. Peter was our resident speechmaker. He spoke at weddings, funerals, birthdays, and leaving days. He never missed an opportunity to raise a glass and lift our spirits.
Peter passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends. He had lived with dementia and Parkinson’s disease for some years and was finally taken by pneumonia. He was cared for with great kindness and compassion by the staff at Briggs Lodge in Devizes. Born in Cork, Ireland; Peter was the second eldest of five brothers and one sister, and his Irish roots run deep through everything he did. Whether he was cheering on Irish rugby or proudly speaking about Ireland or ‘his people’, the Irish, his homeland was always close to his heart.
Peter spent five years training for the priesthood and later studied to become an English teacher, before deciding that neither path was for him. After moving from Ireland to England, he dedicated much of his life to working with the homeless. He worked as Director for different local authorities and housing associations including Hammersmith and Brent Housing, Patchwork, BIAS, and Shelter, but was happiest when working face to face with those in need of homes.
It was while working at Shelter Housing Aid Centre, he met Lesley, and they married in 1972, beginning a partnership of more than fifty years. Together they raised their twins, Kate and Tim, and later welcomed their granddaughter, Louise.
Peter came from a sporting family. His passions were Golf, Tennis, Swimming and Badminton. He also enjoyed storytelling, poetry, and socialising with friends. Known for his quick wit, warmth, and humour, he saw the good in everyone and gave his time generously to those who needed support. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
The family look forward to those of you who can attend his funeral to celebrate his life. This is at West Wiltshire Crematorium, Semington on Monday 29th June at 11.30am. Any donations kindly given are for Shelter.
wrote
Peter and Lesley hosted Mary Elizabeth and I many years ago. They were such kind people. I laughed so hard at Peter's ridiculous story of trying to light the pilot light on an electric cooker. I can still hear his Irish accent when I tell that story to people. He will be greatly missed by so many people.
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We were so fortunate to be guests in Peter's home. I will make a donation to serving the homeless in my local community in his honor. Sending so much love. Mary Elizabeth (Betsye) Slades from North Carolina.
wrote
What do we say any more to conjure the salt of our earth? So much comes and is gone that should be crystal and kept, and amicable weathers that bring up the grain of things, their tang of season and store, are all the packing we’ll get. ~ Seamus Heane
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donated in memory of Peter
What do we say any more to conjure the salt of our earth? So much comes and is gone that should be crystal and kept, and amicable weathers that bring up the grain of things, their tang of season and store, are all the packing we’ll get. ~ Seamus Heaney
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Thankyou Bob.
donated £25 in memory of Peter
In fond memory of a delightful, caring, friendly, conscientious and witty friend of many decades, since Shelter days.
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Thankyou Sue. xx
donated £50 in memory of Peter
In memory of Peter
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Thankyou Marion
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To Ivor and the extended O'Callaghan Family - we are so very sorry to hear of your brothers passing. We know you loved him dearly. May he give you strength from heaven at this time. Eleanor & Alexis Youghal Golf Club
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wrote
I never met Peter, but feel like I have been into conversations with him several times, like he smiled at me directly and gently touched my shoulders as a gesture of understanding and support. I feel like I witnessed his kindness with my own eyes and ears. my brother lived with him for a while, in his house in London, and he mentioned me of him a lot, and especially one single story that I will never forget is; one day he called out to my brother who was somehow sick and resting in his bed, and as he opened the door of his room, upstairs I believe, Peter started throwing oranges on to him, one after another.. and to my brother who has always loved oranges.. long story short, love of Peter to those around him, is clearly felt from thousands kilometers away. we call “amca” the elderly people in Turkey, and amca means uncle (father’s brother which is also referred here as “half father”), and I wanted to say to him: reading your bio, it seems you have found your way and been yourself most of your life, lived like yourself, as you see fit, supported, loved, and been loved… rest in peace, dear Peter amca.
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wrote
Very sad (but grateful to be told) that my dear friend Peter has passed. Met Peter in the late 80 and he was a true friend over the years even when I left London to come home (Waterford)in 1999. Where a gentle soul has lived there lies a beautiful trail of memories and my memories of Peter are numerous, kind, funny, genuine, generous, full of dance, pubs, Irishness, a little bit of work and friendship galore. The world will miss Peter O Callaghan and so will I.
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Thankyou Claire, lovely words. Lesley
is attending the funeral
wrote
Remembering my best friend and the fun times we shared at Patchwork and for many years after. You were always there for me when I needed you through the toughest of times. I will always carry you in my heart. Xxxx
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Thankyou Lorraine. Hope to see you at the funeral
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Oh the memories I have of such a dear gentleman!
Pete will always hold a special place in my heart..Rip young man ❤️
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