CALLAN Michael R. (Ace) Callan, age 95 of Monroe, passed away on Thursday November 24, 2011 at St. Joseph's Manor. Born in New Haven, CT on May 4, 1916, he was the son of the late Thomas and Elizabeth (Patterson) Callan and brother to the late Margaret (Callan) Woodbury. After graduating from Hillhouse High School in New Haven, Michael joined the Navy enabling him to travel the world. While serving on the USS Orleans, Michael competed against other ships as a welter weight boxer. In 1941, while on his way to the Navy Air Station in Pensacola , FL for Naval flight training, Michael was summoned to Washington by General Claire Lee Chennault. After their discussion, he joined a group of military pilots and ground crew men which formed the 1ST American Volunteer Group also known as "Flying Tigers". Michael was assigned as Crew Chief to the 1st Squadron "Adam and Eve". In 1996, he along with the other ground crew members of the Flying Tigers were awarded a Bronze Star and recognized by the United States Air Force. He graduated from the University of Miami as an English major and during that time he modeled for Arrow and Van Heusen shirts. He had a love of reading, writing and poetry. Michael was a flight instructor at Richie's flying school in Dallas , TX and later became a pilot for Eastern Airlines. Michael retired as a Senior Buyer for Sikorsky Aircraft in 1980. During his retirement Michael and his wife traveled through Europe, visited Mexico and Hawaii. He had an amazing sense of humor and an extraordinary outlook on life. Michael is survived by his wife of 65 years Frances (Carlesimo) Callan, sister Elizabeth (Callan) Pellegrini, sons Michael and Richard, daughter Karan-Sue (Callan) Mish and Charles Harger, grandchildren SGT. Michael Mish CTARNG and Melissa Mish, great grandson Nicholas Atkins and several nieces and nephews. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations to be made to St. Jude School in Monroe. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 from 4-8PM at the Spadaccino & Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home 315 Monroe Turnpike Monroe, CT. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10AM on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at St. Jude Church 707 Monroe Turnpike Monroe, CT. Words of comfort and sympathy may be sent to the family at www.spadaccino funeralhome.com