John P. Callahan,
On September 5, 2019, of Longport and Washington Twp., NJ. Passed away peacefully after a battle with esophageal cancer. Age 67. Beloved husband of Tina (nee Ciarrocchi) for 44 years. Devoted father of Jackie Callahan. Dear brother of Rosemary Fitzgerald, Patricia Jillard, Kathleen Cain, Teresa Biebel, Tom Callahan and Brigid Harrison.
John Callahan, the most incredible dad and devoted husband with a larger than life personality, was born on May 9, 1952 in Camden, NJ to John and Rosemary Callahan. He grew up in Runnemede, NJ with 5 sisters and a brother (Rose, Patricia, Kate, Tom, Teresa, and Brigid) and graduated in the Class of 1970 from Triton High School. After graduation, he worked at the Acme Supermarket in Blackwood, NJ. While there, he met the love of his life, Tina, who frequently shopped there. John also made several trips around the United States inhis powder blue VW van with his four best friends and also did a stint at the University of Arizona in Tuscon, AZ before returning to New Jersey to marry Tina on September 6, 1975.
John and Tina they spent a majority of their 20s and 30s traveling around North America and Europe and building their business, Callahan Soil & Stone, which delivered bulk landscape supplies to large-scale private and government projects. John’s hard work enabled him to successfully operate the business for 20 years before transitioning to non-profit sector as he was offered the opportunity to be the CEO of Maryville Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center in Williamstown, NJ. John loved his role at Maryville and went above and beyond to do everything he could to help his clients. During this time, John also returned to college to earn his degree at Camden County College. After leaving Maryville, John opened an out-patient counseling center, Compass Counseling, to help those in need in Cumberland County.
Having an affinity for change, in 2007, John partnered with Ralph Venuto to open up a Venuto’s Pizza franchise in Washington Township. John loved talking to his employees and customers, and especially loved delivering pizzas! After selling Venuto’s, John returned to Callahan Soil & Stone where he supplied fill dirt to several environmental service companies as a sub-tier contractor to assist remediation projects in meeting EPA requirements. John’s most recent project, and pride and joy, was working in Folsom, NJ.
John and Tina were married for 44 years, and have one child, Jackie. They were destined soul mates – crazy in love for 44 years. They had so much fun throughout their marriage, and enjoyed spending time in both Longport, NJ and Palm Beach Shores, FL boating, gardening, and enjoying simply being together. John was Jackie’s number one fan when she attended the U.S. Naval Academy and throughout her subsequent tours in the Navy. John was so looking forward to visiting Jackie in Durham, North Carolina where she currently attends Duke University.
John was an amazing man – one-of-a-kind, full of life, and extremely generous. He was so loved and will be greatly missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Tuesday 7:00-9:00 PM and Wednesday 9:15-10:15 AM at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Rd., Washington Twp. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am at the Church of the Holy Family, Washington Twp.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.egizifuneral.com
“A Life Well Lived
Is Worth Remembering”