Tom Callaghan

Profile Updated: August 21, 2025
Tom Callaghan
Class of 1975
Currently residing In San Diego, CA USA
My Website & Facebook/Media www.kidschessclub.org
Occupation Title Retired and now run a nonprofit company to help kids learn Chess
Tom Callaghan

Copa Photo

Yes! Attending Reunion
SPHSAA Membership Status:

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Occupation(s), Career Details

Environmental Scientist; County Administrator; High School Teacher; Author

Further education, training, certification(s) since High School

BA Environmental Studies UCSC; MS Natural Science San Jose State; MBA UOP

Other South Pasadena schools I also attended

Holy Family School
South Pasadena Junior High

Different places I have lived

Santa Cruz; Pacifica; Scotts Valley; Ft. Lauderdale; La Jolla

Family members who also went to SPHS

Stepsisters Kimberly and Michele Thorpe; brother Mike Callaghan

School Memories

As Captain of the Chess team, I went to the Student Council to request they take funds from their Sports budget to pay for me to go to the LA County HS Chess Championship. I argued that chess was a sport and they gave me the money. After winning First Place undefeated, I gave the trophy to the school, where it still sits in their trophy case.

[Date] What's happening in my life now

Happily married for over 30 years, worked in both public and private sectors and ran my own businesses and now retired. I don't have kids so I founded a nonprofit company to help underserved kids learn critical thinking skills through the game of Chess. I have work with thousands of kids in the San Diego area.

One last comment...

I look forward to seeing everyone and reconnecting with old friends at the reunion

Tom's Latest Interactions

Tom Callaghan has left an In Memory comment for his Profile.
Dec
27
Dec 27, 2025 at 3:46 PM

Rick married his high school sweetheart, my oldest sister, Karen. He was a good father and provider to her and his two awesome children, Allison and Casey.  They seperated over ten years ago and he powered through a mid-life crisis with help from his friends and his motercycle. He worked hard and played hard. My fondest memory was when we went to Vegas and I helped him pick a few winning slots. RIP Rick, you'll live on in our memories.

Tom Callaghan updated his profile. View.
Aug
21
Aug 21, 2025 at 10:32 AM