Joseph Callan

CALLAN
Joseph M., age 76, died of heart failure on March 8, 2015 with dignity in the quiet solitude of his own home in River Edge, New Jersey.
Joseph is survived by his son, Jim Callan and his daughter, Teresa Orth, as well as his son-in-law, John Orth and two cherished grandsons, Geoffrey and Benjamin as well as extended family both in the U.S. and Ireland. He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his parents, Teresa Grant Callan and John Callan, and his siblings, Loretta Callan Boylan and Jack Callan.
Joseph was born on May 18, 1938 in NYC to Irish immigrant parents, Teresa and John, who raised their family on 96th street and all were fortunate to grow up with many loving aunts, uncles and cousins literally living within the same apartment building. Joseph often said that his family was "the best that anyone could imagine" and always credited their strong work ethic and the devotion of his parents to their children as remarkable influences on his own life.
He graduated from Manhattan College with a degree in Psychology and he later achieved his Masters from Columbia University. Much of his career focus was in the area of criminal justice first starting as an Executive Director, The Osborne Association, NYC and in the early 1980's, he moved to Houston, Texas and accepted a position as a Director, Harris County Adult Probation. After moving back to New Jersey, in 1987, Joseph enjoyed his role as the Executive Director, Southeast Senior Center, Englewood, New Jersey as well as teaching Sociology courses at Montclair State University, Dominican College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Joseph was a genuine family man. He married Barbara on June 17, 1961, and they moved from the Grand Concourse in the Bronx to River Edge, New Jersey in 1972. Joseph enjoyed being part of a small community and participated in many local organizations. He and Barbara made lifelong friends on Adams Avenue and enjoyed many an occasion with the "lunch bunch" who remain close friends to this day.
He enjoyed nothing more than spending time on the Little League fields whether coaching his son, Jim, or cheering on his grandsons from the early days of T-Ball all the way through to Williamsport tournaments. During high school basketball season, Joe always had a front row seat for all home and away games and enjoyed the post game analysis with both of his grandsons. He cheered proudly and loudly for each point scored especially the three pointers.
Joe was a voracious reader who never left home without a book whether for a trip to the mall or a cross country excursion to the Grand Canyon. He participated in a very active Current Events group at the River Edge Public Library and enjoyed reading the news and listening to the radio as he prepared for the lively discussion which would surely follow.
In recent years, he enjoyed many summers on the pier of Ocean Grove where he could be found devouring the latest suspense novel or enjoying some Days ice cream (soft serve vanilla with extra strawberries on the bottom and as a topping). And, he thoroughly enjoyed the company of his dearest friend, Marilyn Haggerty, who brought happiness back to his life as they enjoyed travel, concerts, local and Broadway theatre, museums, lovely meals and meaningful conversations together.
The family would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support and care of Joe especially Doctor Katebian, his trusted physician and friend for the last 26 years.
At Joe's request, a celebration of his life will be held at a date to be determined in the future.

In lieu of flowers, he requested that any donations be made to the Salvation Army or the Ocean Grove Historical Society.
Fare thee well, Pop, we love you.