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John Callan Obituary
John T. Callan Jr., 80, passed away March 19, 2021
Cherished husband of Mary. Devoted and proud father to Patrick, who preceded him in death, Deborah (Alan) Caldwell, Michael (Theresa) Callan, and Mary Jo (Katie Doyle) Callan, and second father to many others. Goofy Grandpa to Zachary, Aaron, Jake, Alexandra, and Emilia. Beloved brother of Mary Ann (Dave) Youngs, Thomas (Nancy Parenteau) Callan, Cathy (Eddie Boyle) Callan, Suzy (Art) Spencer, and the late Patrick Callan. Uncle Johnny to 12 nieces and nephews and 15 great-nieces and nephews.
Known for his quick and irreverent wit, John had a nickname and a warm welcome for nearly everyone he met (except most authority figures). He was generous of spirit, loved Notre Dame, and all things Irish. He was an incredibly kind and loving son, brother, father, friend, and husband, always there to provide joy, laughter, and comfort. John was a self-described "flunky electrician" who started working very young in order to support his siblings and parents, and he taught his kids the importance of working hard in service to others.
John was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. A mass in his honor will be held at St. Kenneth's Catholic Church in Plymouth on April 5th at 11:00 am, and family will be there beginning at 10:00 am to greet those wishing to express condolences. A celebratory memorial, in true Irish style, will be held later this spring when family and friends can gather outside. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 3000 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, MI 48207.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Callan
Frank Selwa
March 20, 2025
Miss you John. Husband of Mary, mutual friend of Ron Kurdupski . R.I.P.
Frank Selwa
March 26, 2023
Well, little did I know that my sister Mary had married John. Also John worked with a great friend of mine Ron Kurdupski. Ron was a schoolmate who also passed early. I had no idea of the situation either. I know that he keeps God and all he knew that have passed laughing ! See you again John in Heaven . Always in my prayers :)
John Heaman
April 5, 2021
I’ve known John my whole life. There are pictures of me in a play-pen with his kids. They’re family. When I was 6 we moved to Canton, to a subdivision next to the Callan subdivision. Our families spent countless hours together. We vacationed together. Heck we were served salad that had, unbeknownst to us, had night crawlers in it. I thought he’d die laughing when the truth came out.
John was of generous heart of his time and his possessions. He made time to take us fishing and had the equipment to do it. The Pork and Pork trips were priceless though most of the stories are PG-13. Zebco’s going overboard. The attack of the White Castle’s. Or the creme de la creme, the gin rummy game in the back of the van between Pork and Pork with Clem doing his part to add to the story...there was some “citment”.
John loved to needle my dad about Michigan football. I think it reached it’s pinochle on the day of Mike and Theresa’s weeding when rocket Ismail ran two kickoffs back for touchdowns and Norte Dame won. He had that belly laugh going. “Hey Pork. “.
The nickel dime poker games. Dealers choice was the best. He’d invent games just to drive pork nuts. It was beautiful.
We will have to have an outing and throw some zebco’s overboard this summer.
He was one of a kind and a true blessing in my life. I loved the man and I will miss him...May the road rise to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rain fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Frank Selwa
March 29, 2021
John was a hell of a guy
Steve Swartzinski
March 29, 2021
Through my relationship with John's son Mike "kiddo!" I got to know the Callan "clan". What a group of smart, quick witted, sacastic, fun, group of people. John was the big "spark" of goofiness but, also had a seriousness when it came to his work. I got to work for John for a short time. Through his mentorship as well as Mikes, I found the proffession I do and enjoy to this day.
Steve the Sleeve
Dolores Benstead
March 29, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Angie Mudd
March 29, 2021
John was a loving Father . His kids were “the greatest”. He made a lot of people laugh with his wit and playful nature. I will always love him as the Father of my children. Rest In Peace John.
Rick Heaman
March 27, 2021
I have been blessed to know John for 57 years...I could tell stories about John that might go on way too long. He had a wit about him unmatched by anyone and a nickname for you wether you liked it or not....it stuck...that was it...when you walked into the room...it was hey Clem, kiddo, pork, mean Dean, and so on. John will be missed for sure, however, he is home now. The last few years took a toll on my friend and we all pray that he is at the glorious card game in Heaven with the sticky cards laughing about another 5 Star General (sets in euchre). God love you my friend...prayers
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