John Peter Scallen

Former Labor Negotiator, WWII Veteran and University of Detroit Graduate Jack Scallen Dies at 97 John Peter Scallen, Jr., Army veteran and former Ford Motor Company labor negotiator, passed away on January 8. He was 97 years old. Scallen, born September 17, 1916, was of full Irish descent and known to all as "Jack". The oldest of six children, he raised his own family of six in Detroit with his wife and college sweetheart, the late Mary Jane (Schwarz) Scallen. His grandfather, Peter Scallen, was an engineer for the Michigan Central Railroad for 55 years, and his father, Judge John P. Scallen, was a Recorders Court judge for 36 years. Jack Scallen graduated from the University of Detroit (U of D) High School in 1935, and went on to earn degrees from the University of Detroit and the U of D School of Law. He enjoyed a 42-year career in labor relations at Ford Motor Company, during which time he developed long-standing respectful relationships with the union officials sitting on the other side of the bargaining table. Scallen was also a World War II veteran, having served with the U.S. Army Air Corps in Northern Africa and Italy. He had strong memories of being sent off to war with two of his brothers, departing from the Michigan Central Railroad Station. Scallen's name is registered with the Battle of Normandy Foundation in Normandy, France, designating him as one of the "courageous Americans whose sacrifice and commitment led to the liberation of the continent of Europe during World War II." Scallen had very fond memories of growing up in Detroit. As a sports fan, he enjoyed meeting Joe Louis and other local figures, and playing U of D high school varsity football with his brother Joseph and three other sets of brothers (Carrons, Cronins, and Crawleys) on the same team. Scallen watched the Detroit Lions beat the New York Giants for the 1935 NFL championship at U of D stadium. He also attended the 1937 College All-Star Football Classic in Chicago, where the college all-star team, led by U of D coach and family friend Gus Dorais (who is credited with inventing the forward pass with Knute Rockne), beat the NFL champions (Green Bay Packers) for the first time. Other memorable Detroit moments in Scallen's life include meeting Henry Ford (and carrying his bags) while working on a Ford freighter for a summer, working on numerous Recorders Court judicial campaigns throughout the city on behalf of his father, and joining his family in selling Old Newsboys' Goodfellow newspapers in downtown Detroit for many Christmas seasons. Scallen also greatly enjoyed his Magi fraternity days at U of D, taking his family on Bob-Lo cruises, and heading to Belle Isle for Sunday breakfast picnics. During his retirement years, Scallen volunteered at numerous places including a local district court probation office, Gesu Church in Detroit, Mt. Carmel Hospital, and U of D high school. He was also active with the Kiwanis. Scallen is predeceased by his parents John Sr. and Kathleen (Hurley) Scallen; siblings Joseph, Anne Marie Gargaro, and William; and a son Thomas. He is survived by siblings Kathleen Gokel and Paul, brother-in-law John C. Schwarz, wife Betty Cronin Scallen, and five children Alecia (Ron) Clouse, John P. III (Linda), Timothy (Deborah), Andrew (Marcia), and Tad (Maureen). Jack was also blessed with twelve grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. "Our dad was not only loved by everyone, but also loved life and loved Detroit," said son John P. Scallen III. A mass will be held in Scallen's memory on February 8 at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Farms. Memorial donations can be made to the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. Joseph in Detroit.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236