John Joseph Callahan

John Joseph Callahan Jr was Born on December 11, 1941, in Schenectady, New York. After the early loss of his mother, John was raised by his grandparents. Though separated from his brother Jim during childhood, the two later reconnected and maintained a meaningful relationship until Jim’s passing. Despite the challenges of his youth, he forged a life marked by resilience, service, and deep devotion to those he loved. In his early years, John loved visiting the racetracks around Saratoga and spending the summertime with his lifelong best friend Frank and the Berning family in Galway, New York. Throughout his life, John was a loving father, loyal partner, adventurer, military veteran, beloved grandfather, great grandfather attorney, golfer and friend to many amazing people.

John graduated from Penn State University with a BA degree in Arts and Letters and went on to get his law degree from The University of Florida. Before embarking on his legal career, John proudly served his country in the Air Force with distinction from 1967-1972. As a Captain during the Vietnam War, he piloted the Caribou airplane and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his act of heroism in ariel flight. John’s academic achievements and service to county later paved the foundation for a successful career as an attorney for the Federation Aviation Administration. In this role, he served with integrity and dedication until his retirement.

Beyond his professional accomplishments and military service, John's kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to family were hallmarks of his character. John was loved by his wife Linda, his soulmate and best friend of 40 years. John raised 2 sons, Thomas and Daniel, and was their beacon of light they looked to when life wasn’t providing clear answers. He stood side by side with his stepchildren Nicole and Marcus through many life challenges and triumphs. His greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren Zachary, Nathan, Cassandra, Ion, Julius, and Margaret. His warmest smiles in his sunset years came from seeing photos of his first and only great granddaughter, Bonnie. As with all his grandchildren, he loved her the moment he laid eyes on her.

John’s life was filled with many interests and passions. John and Linda found great joy in travel and exploration and shared many great adventures together. John loved losing himself in all museums, art galleries, and notable historical places around the world. Italy, Russia, Spain, and Australia were favorite highlights, but his heart was in Sweden, a place Tom, Cassandra, and Julius called home. John embraced every opportunity to experience foreign country’s customs and traditions from the Swedish Midsummer Celebrations to the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. After retirement, John enjoyed cruising the Caribbean with Linda, his children, and grandchildren.

John was also an avid sports fan, from following his favorite teams to playing golf at the Plantation course in Kapalua Maui while on vacation with his family. When not traveling, John was his grandson’s biggest sports fan. He attended most of Zachary and Nathan’s sporting events, from little league baseball games to high school football games. He was always there to cheer, encourage, and lend a hug after a hard loss. He inspired a second generation to fall in love with golf. John was thrilled when his granddaughter, Margaret, chose golf as her high school sport. John was always eager to share his interests with others. He loved bringing his family to the racetrack and teaching them how to “handicap a horse.” This was a passion he held all his life. In his sunset years, he found laughter and camaraderie with his poker group. Linda remarked, “those boys did way more talking and laughing than playing poker.”

In his later years, John fought courageously against various ailments, always overcoming each challenge with hope, faith, love, and enduring good humor. His family would like to thank Dr Swee Tan for saving his remaining leg in 2012 and up until his passing. Her continued efforts allowed John 13 more years to enjoy a good life. John passed away peacefully, on June 1st, 2025, in Seattle WA, surrounded by his loving family.

John’s life was a tapestry woven with faith, love, adventure, and an unshakable commitment to loving his family. John always had an open place at his dinner table and time to share experiences with the many amazing people who graced his journey. No matter where you came from or what challenges you faced, John was always there to listen and share a compassionate word. John’s memory will continue to bring comfort to all who knew and loved him and serve as a lasting reminder of a life well lived.

A Celebration of Life for John will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025, for everyone who wishes to attend. 1:00pm at Evergreen Washelli Funeral home, followed by a reception at 2:00pm.