Albert Samuel Callie, MD (84) passed away at his home in Tucson, Arizona on March 12, after a fall and head injury.

Named after his dad and grandpa Sam Colalillo (changed to "Callie"), Albert Samuel Callie was born in Bethlehem, PA on February 10, 1941 to Albert and Lena Lucy (Turtzo) Callie. Raised in Bangor, PA with his sister Marion, Albert S. Callie was valedictorian of Bangor High School before graduating with top honors from Muhlenberg College and Hahnemann Medical College.

After meeting on a blind date and dating for three years, Albert married Joyce Marie Fick in 1965; he completed residency training at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and served at Fort Richie Army Base in Maryland. He and his family then moved back to Ohio for additional residency training at Akron Children's Hospital before moving to Tucson in 1971.

Dr. Callie opened his private pediatric practice (Albert S. Callie, MD) in 1973. He and Joyce also become oblates at Holy Trinity Benedictine Monastery in St. David, AZ. In 1975, he was one of the first deacons ordained for the Diocese of Tucson. Dr. Callie also worked as a pediatrician at the Myelomeningocele (Spina Bifida) Children's Rehab Center and St. Elizabeth's Health Center for 20 years.

Dr. Callie was the proud and loving father of 9 children and 11 grandchildren and an avid reader and cyclist. Often arriving on his bicycle, with his gloves and helmet in hand, Dr. Callie reliably met families after hours at his office, the hospital, or for a home birth, Dr. Callie retired in 2023, as the practice celebrated its 50th anniversary. Al and Joyce were also looking forward to celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this coming June 2025.

Albert Samuel Callie has reunited with his father Albert, his mother Lena, daughters Christine and Mariah Mattocks (Kevin); stillborn sons Francis and Christopher, grandparents, extended family, and beloved friends who passed before him. Al's love and spirit will forever live on in his wife Joyce; children Mary Beth, Albert, Tony (Tamara), John (Violette), Margie (Jay Lee), Katy, and James; grandchildren Ryan, Bryn, Patrick, Avery, Cora, Hadley, Cole, Marlo, Nicholas, Zachary, and Josilynn; sister Marion Ibarra (Ernest); sister-in-law Judy Quill (Spence) and brother-in-law Louie Fick (Brenda); beloved nieces and nephews; colleagues at Callie Pediatrics and local hospitals; neighbors, friends, and the patients and families for whom he cared.

Albert Samuel Callie dedicated his life to his family and the families of his patients. Above all, he instilled in his children a profound sense of being cherished, loved unconditionally, and protected. You could always depend that he'd be there to help launch you off, welcome you back, or help pick you back up. He had your back. And your heart, always, and forever.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, March 29 at 10 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1800 Camino Pio Decimo, Tucson, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Albert S. Callie, MD to: Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona and Aviva Children's Services (Blake Easter Seals).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star from Mar. 21 to Mar. 23, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Callie

15 Entries

Teresa Prieto

June 24, 2025

In Loving Memory of Dr. Callie Sr.
I only just learned of Dr. Callie´s passing, and my heart is deeply saddened. My eldest daughter is now 45, so I have known and trusted Dr. Callie for more than four decades. He was the pediatrician for all of my children, and his care left an imprint on our lives that time will never erase.
I will never forget the winter of 1981. My son was born premature and spent four weeks in the hospital. I was exhausted, worried, and unsure if I could care for such a fragile little boy. But Dr. Callie looked me in the eye and said something I´ve never forgotten:"No one can take better care of a child than their mother. You´ll know what to do. Trust yourself-take him home."And so, on Christmas Day 1981, I brought my baby home. That gift-the confidence, the trust, the faith he gave me-is one I have cherished every day since.
Dr. Callie was serious and soft-spoken, with a deep voice and a steady presence. He didn´t speak much, but when he did, it was always with warmth and purpose. He had a quiet way of making parents feel like the true experts in their child´s care, and he always reminded me that I was doing the best job possible.
He was a man of deep integrity, a healer with a calling, and in our eyes, a true angel doing God´s work on earth. He built a beautiful life and raised a loving family while caring for the families of so many others. What a remarkable legacy.
Now, my grandchildren are seen by Dr. Callie Jr., and I feel so grateful that the compassion and dedication of this family continues into the next generation.
To the Callie family, I send my heartfelt condolences. Your father was one of the finest men I´ve ever known. May his memory be a blessing, and may you find peace in knowing the immense good he brought into this world. We were lucky to have known him.
With deepest sympathy,Teresa Prieto(Mother of four, grandmother of fifteen-grateful patient and friend)

Bill & Debra Thomasson

April 18, 2025

Sorry to hear of Dr. Callie's passing. He took care of our four kids and saved our Matthew. Wonderful Dr. he was and grateful for all his kindness to us all. You will be missed. Fly high

Bette Kibble

April 13, 2025

As a licensed midwife in Arizona I have been doing Home births since 1980.
Dr.Albert Callie Sr. In the 90's began coming to the parents homes after some of the births to check on the babies., and later they would continue care at his clinic. He came after hours and during some holidays. Sometimes on his bicycle with helmet in hand and his stethoscope. He was so gentle with the babies and when he finished he would say "Happy Birthday" to the babies and their families.
When he retired he told us to "Rejoice"!
And so we do Rejoice in your life well lived Dr Callie and thank you for your tireless work and all the care you generously gave.
The homebirth families will deeply miss you. May you rest in peace
May I offer my heartfelt condolences to Mrs Callie and all the family.

Thomas Gilmour

April 6, 2025

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Callie. I have been a letter carrier in the Sabino Vista neighborhood for many years, and I will greatly miss seeing him riding his bicycle on and around Cloud Road. His wave as we passed each other on the road was always a highlight of my day. For a long time, I have thought that the somewhat cliched mailman credo of "Neither rain, nor snow, nor gloom of night..." applied more to Dr. Callie and his daily ritual than us. Those of us who have worked the area marveled at his dedication in all weather conditions, and we were particularly inspired by his fitness level. I offer my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Callie and the family, along with his friends, colleagues, and long-time neighbors, who admired him. Dr. Callie will be someone that I remember long after I hang up my mailbag.

Paul Reiling

March 31, 2025

Lois and I wish to express our sympathy and condolences on your loss.It was my pleasure to have. known and worked with Al during my medical years in Tucson. Your loving family created a beautiful memorial service for Al. God bless you all. Paul & Lois Reiling.

Richard Finn

March 30, 2025

Dear Joyce and all AL's children, I offer my condolences for your loss. I practiced OBGYN in Tucson during the early 1970's, and Al cared for the offspring of some of my patients. He and you Joyce were good friends with my brother Bob and his wife Darlene. I will keep all of you in my prayers. Dick Finn

Lucy (Ritter) Steinebach

March 28, 2025

My deep condolences to Mrs. Callie and the entire family. As a pharmaceutical rep for many years, Dr. Callie and his staff were among my favorites to call on. He was always receptive and thoughtful, and the only Doctor to ask for me call on them during a time when I couldn´t be around for several weeks. I was honored by that, and privileged when the office gave me a retirement party. Dr. Callie was always receptive wonderful, caring, and kind Christian man. I shall never forget Dr. Callie.

Lisa Cleary

March 28, 2025

I worked with Dr Callie in the hospital and in his office. He was such a caring and wonderful gift to all who knew him and especially to the children in his care. He will be missed by my family.

Debby Canady

March 25, 2025

Dr Callie was both my kids pediatrician my kids are 40 and 43 now. I remember my son split his chin open we were at the hospital and he came and checked on him very caring

Sarah Lytle Barcelo

March 25, 2025

I am so grateful for Dr. Callie. He was always so kind and knowledgeable and was my Son's pediatrician until he was in his 20's!!! Sterling did not want to go to any other Doctor. Dr. Callie would meet us at his office at 10:00 at night to check out a high fever when Sterling was teething, several times, even a few times on a weekend and was always so patient. I am so thankful for Dr. Callie and can never thank him enough for all he did for my child. Prayers for the Callie family and may he rest in peace.

Salpointe Catholic High School

March 24, 2025

The Salpointe Catholic High School Community extends deepest sympathy to the Callie family. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.

Janet Mobley

March 24, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Dr. Callie was my grandkids doctor, he was the best. JanetMobleyJanet

Erin Gonzalez

March 22, 2025

I don´t even know where to start on how amazing Dr Callie was. He was my pediatrician growing up and as I started having children he was their pediatrician as well. I have never met such an amazing doctor like him. With the technology and science we have in the medical field, Dr Callie always put God first. That was the most unique characteristic about him. He saved my baby girl when she was 4 months old and had RSV. If he wasn´t so persistent I would have lost her. He was always calm and explained things so I understood and he would always take the time to answer all my questions. He is going to be truly missed and heaven gained an amazing man!

Kathleen Lambert

March 21, 2025

I had the blessing of working with Dr. Callie in Pediatrics, L & D and newborn nursery at St. Joseph's Hospital back in the 1970s. He would always come in when his patients were there, no matter the hour. He was quiet, patient and thoughtful with his patients, parents and staff. He was a joy to work with. Twenty years later he was my grandchildren's doctor, and they loved him. Our prayers of gratitude for knowing such a kind, brilliant and dedicated man. He lives forever in our memories!

Joe Martinez

March 21, 2025

I have fond memories of Dr Callie treating our children and especially his dedication in defending the unborn. Requiescat in pace.

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