Michael William Callinan

Michael William Callinan, age 70, of Athens, Georgia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 24, 2025 after a year-long illness. He was a beloved oldest brother of eight whose warmth, kindness, intelligence, and unwavering dedication touched the lives of all who knew him.

Born on April 26, 1955, in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, to Army Major William Callinan and Marilyn Callinan, Mike led an adventurous life filled with travel, sports, education, and teaching. As a young “army brat,” he moved between military bases around the world until his father, a helicopter pilot, was killed in Vietnam. At that point, the family stayed in Columbus, Georgia where Mike received his primary education. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Georgia and started his career as a programmer. A dedicated American patriot, Mike served his country for 15 years with the CIA, traveling the globe and working in U.S. embassies and military bases as a systems analyst, executive officer, and administrative director.

Returning to Athens, GA, Mike furthered his passion for education by pursuing a master’s degree in mathematics education at his beloved University of Georgia. This academic journey catalyzed his transition into teaching, a vocation where his technical expertise and enthusiasm for innovation thrived. At Athens Academy, where he dedicated 27 transformative years, Mike pioneered groundbreaking initiatives that set milestones in technological integration and media production. His efforts included implementing one of Georgia's first 1-to-1 laptop programs, producing the country's inaugural high school student-led webcast of a football game in 2001, and teaching a broad spectrum of classes ranging from computer science and robotics to media production for grades 7-12.

Mike's dedication extended beyond the classroom, running technology camps for grades 1-8 and fostering interest in STEAM fields. As a pioneer in robotics education, his involvement in FIRST robotics inspired family participation and led to widespread teams and competitions in Georgia. He hosted regional robotics competitions and was instrumental in bringing the FIRST Tech Challenge South Super-Regional Robotics Competition to Athens. In 2016, the Athens Convention and Business Bureau honored him with the Classic Host Award for his contributions to establishing Athens as a robotics hub and boosting its economic vitality.

Beyond his professional accolades, Mike also contributed significantly to athletics at Athens Academy, tirelessly collaborating with coaches to create post-game videos. He produced high-lights videos and DVDs for the students and athletes for college submissions and served as a golf coach for several years. His time at ACAD was marked by deep bonds with staff and students, whom he affectionately considered his family.

Most recently, Mike extended his expertise to Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School, where he laid the foundation for a robotics program, continuing his legacy of empowering students through technology. His dedication to education was unwavering, and when questioned about retirement, his heartfelt response was always: “Why would I retire? I love what I’m doing!”

No matter where someone came from, Mike never met a stranger. His extensive travels, remarkable memory, and love for culture were truly extraordinary. Whenever he encountered someone from any corner of the globe, he would delight in sharing personal anecdotes about their homeland. And it wouldn't be a true story about Mike without mentioning the Bulldawgs. In a family filled with numerous UGA graduates, he proudly declared himself the “FIRST DAWG!”

Mike is survived by his step-father Frank Braski (Linda); siblings Tom Callinan (Diane), John Callinan (Tammy), Margo Truett (Dan), Danny Braski, Pat Braski (Christine), Bill Braski (Natasza), and Frank Braski (Cyndi); Nephews and nieces-Tommy Callinan (Amanda), Christopher Callinan (Naoe), Emily Swanson (Troy), Meagan Danley (Mike), Courtney Hall (Jonah), Bradley Truett, Cal Braski, Chandler Braski (Lexi), Griffin Braski (Halie), Mallory Booth (Eric), Margo Wilson (Garrett), Deacon Kevin Braski, Clare Braski, Colleen (Logan) Schultz, Kyle Braski, Hannah Braski, Mary Francis Smith, Drake Braski, Jakob Braski, and many grandnieces and grandnephews along with countless other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents William Francis Callinan and Marilyn Ann Braski.

A rosary will be held at 10 AM on June 19, 2025 followed by the funeral at 11 AM at the Catholic Center of University of Georgia, 1344 S Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30605. A time of visitation and reception will follow in the Center Hall until 2 PM followed by interment in Oconee Hill cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mike’s memory for robotics and media technology at Athens Academy, www.athensacademy.org or Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School, www.donovancatholichs.org.

Mike’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be greatly missed. Mike wanted his final words to be-“Can’t wait to see mom and dad in heaven, hopefully! GO DAWGS!”