John Callahan Obituary

Dear Jack, Joann, Kevin and Mary Kate,As the year anniversary of Jack's passing is fast approaching, I want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I'm sure he is at a high place in heaven! Mimi (Pufunt) Winkelvoss and family

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010

Dear Callahan family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. We know that your family and strong faith will see you through once more.
Ed Eble

Dear Jack, Joanne, Kevin and Mary Kate - We learned last night about the sudden, unexpected death of your son/brother, Jack. We just wanted you all to know that we are praying for you during this most difficult time and we hope and pray that your faith and wonderful memories of Jack will get you through this somehow.

May God bless you and keep you in his loving embrace...

Joanne
My heart aches for you and your family, Thinking of you all everyday, My thoughts and prayers are with you

Jack, Joanne and the entire Callahan and McNamara families,

Our hearts and deepest sympathy are reaching out to you. More importantly our prayers and faith are with you. We know your faith, family and friends will help sustain you all.

God Bless

Jack, Joanne and the entire Callahan and McNamara families,

Our hearts and deepest sympathy are reaching out to you. More importantly our prayers and faith are with you. We know your faith, family and friends will help sustain you all.

God Bless

To the Callahan Family
I have worked with Jack periodically in the courtroom and he has always been a true gentleman. I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss and pray your faith, family and friends help bring you peace.

Dear Jack and family,

I just heard about your terrible loss. I am so sorry. You have my deepest sympathy. I will keep you in my prayers.

Jack, Joanne, Kevin & Mary Kate and all the Callahan and McNamara Families,
We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your wonderful son/grandson, Jack. May your faith and your loving families and friends give you courage, hope and strength. And, may your happy memories of Jack help you through the difficult days ahead.

Our prayers are with you.

Mary Lou and Jack Lovell

Joannne and Jack,
I am very sorry for your loss. God has welcomed Jack with open arms and may he continue to watch over you and your family. My prayers are with you.
God bless,
Mike Gervais

Dear Callahan Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad time. We remember Jack as a fun, loving kid; always with a smile on his face. You will always be in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Mary Pat and Rusty Piersons
Marion Koerner

Dear Callahan Family and all who loved Jack - I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful son. It's clear from the pictures and articles he touched so many lives. My prayers will be with you.
Sincerely,

i am so sorry
i sit and cry for your loss

To the wonderful, loving family of Jack Callahan:
It was painful and so very sad to hear your news. I wish we could have been here for the services. We heard they were so beautiful. You did a great job with him while he was here. God must have some plans for him. There could be no other reason.
With our love

Dear Callahans,
You have been and will always be in our thoughts and prayers. You are an amazing, spiritual and loving family and we pray you will find strength in the days to come. We are so very sad for you and so touched to hear Jack's wake and funeral were so, so lovely. Know we send our love and hugs.
Sincerely,
Joanne, Peter, Kelly and Brian Vogt

Dear Joanne, Jack and Family,

My sympathies and prayers are with the Callahan and McNamara families. At this difficult time, I have asked the Brothers to continue to remember you in prayer and Eucharist.

Brother Eugene Birmingham
Archbishop Molloy High School
Briarwood, New York

To the Callahan family,
My words cannot express how saddened I was by the death of your dear son and grandson Jack. I never had the pleasure of meeting Jack, but it was very evident at his wake that he was truly a special soul and loved by many. I wish I could find the right words to ease your pain, but I know there are no words. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

To the Callahan Family

May you find strength and comfort in knowing that family friends spanning several generations will keep you and your loved one in our prayers.

To the entire Callahan, McNamara, Brown, Bettinardi, O'Connor and Skalitzky families and the many dear friends of Jack,

Our sincere condolences on your loss of Jack. He is truly a shining light for all those that passed his way. May your strong faith and wonderful memories continue to see everyone through this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Colleen Browne Coyne, MHR '75; Marist Staff
Noel, Kerry & Conor Coyne

May the Peace of God surround you and the loving arms of Jesus embrace Jack. Our deepest sympathies.

Dear Callahan Family,
My children Josh Fisher(2006)and Sarah Fisher(2008)are a part of the Marist Family. My deepest sympathies to all of you. May God comfort you during this time of profound loss.

To the Callahan Family;

Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Jack. From all I have read about him, he was everything we would want in the Marist Family.

May the Grace of God be with you.

Pete Murphy, class of 1974

You and your family have been in my prayers every day and I am thinking of you all. Jack touched many people's lives - and there is no doubt he will continue to teach others to be the best you can be, to live a full life and to love everyone around you. It is evident - he will be missed by many. I truly am so sorry and saddened by your loss. Please accept my sympathy.
___ Jean Hruby, friend of the Koerner Family and
family friend of Laura Nemecek.

Dear Callahan family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you during this very difficult time. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

To the entire Callahan family:
We were at the beautiful liturgy this morning and were uplifted by the loving words and songs expressed by all those present. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. As parents, grandparents and a former teacher at Marist we will always remember this day and your beautiful son and grandson, Jack.

Love,

Joe and Margie Geraghty

Dear Callahan Family,
My daughter is a junior at Marist and when she told me the news about your son Jack, we were deeply saddened. My daughter lost her brother, my son, who was also a student at Marist in the summer of 2005. There are no words to express our sympathy. You are in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts.
Our deepest condolences, The Keating Family

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire family. Our Joe was a classmate of Jack's. He was loved by everyone and was truly a friend to all.

My daughter Dawn(10) is a student at Marist. Our condolences to your family that god give you strength and courage.

Dear Callahan Family,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss when I recently spoke with Sue Kapala (Lipp). My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Jack (II) and family,
Wow ! I heard thru the grapevine and didn't find out about funeral arrangements until today.
You can count my prayers.
Tough as it must be, I really believe God has us all in his plans.

As a member of the Marist Family we were so sorry to hear of your loss. We will continue to pray for all of you and ask God to hold you up during this difficult time.

Jack, Joanne, Kevin and Mary Kate:
I was very saddened to hear of your loss.
God's timing is not always our timing. May you find peace knowing that your son is being graced with His presence in heaven.

Our prayers are with you all.
Mark and Lisa (Schlaefer) Gaston

Our condolences to the family and friends of Jack. May God give you strength, peace and embrace you with his comfort during this diffcult time. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. My daughter Katie was also an 09' Marist grad and she will never forget the special theme song they made for him and was sung through out Marist halls. He was very well loved by all his classmate and will be missed tremendously.

Our very deepest sympathy to your family. Please know that we are thinking of you. Sonia and the staff at Dr. Patrick Pendleton's Dental office.

Callahan Family -
I am very sorry for your loss. I work with JoAnne at ALMH. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Callahan family:
My daughter Paige is friends with Cal. Our prayers are with you at this tragic time. We mourn with you and may God lend you and your entire family the strength you need. The Cunningham Family.

We are friends of the Koerners and wanted to pass along our deep sympathy for your loss. Our family will say a prayer for Jack. Our thoughts go out to you at this difficult time.

To the entire Callahan Family, You don't know me but my nephew Matt is a friend of your son Jacks. When I was told of your unbearable loss my my heart sank with sadness for you. I want you to know that you will be in my prayers for years to come. May you find comfort in knowing that God is now holding your son And taking care of him.

Jim Healy

Dear Callahan Family
Im so sorry for your lose of Jack.My two daughters attend Marist did not know Jack but have been deeply touched by his lose. You will be in our prayers and thoughts.

I was so sorry to hear about your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.

Anna Jurik

Dear Joanne, Jack, Kevin and Mary Kate,
Kelsey and I were overwhelmed at the sheer number of people that came to your side this evening during the wake. It is a true testament to Jack and your family. No words can even come close to telling you how truly sorry we are. However, we take comfort in knowing that you have such love and support to help you in your grief. Our prayers are with you.

Dear Joanne and family,
I was shocked to get the news from Lisa regarding your loss. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Words cannot really express the sorrow at a time like this. May God provide you with strength.

To the Callahan Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are sorry for your loss - our heart goes out to your family in this difficult time.
Love and Prayers, Carol and Fred Haw

Mary Kate and Family,
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Our very deepest sympathy to your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Nolan Family

Dear Joanne, Jack, Kevin and Mary Kate,
Our hearts are breaking for your family at the tragic and sudden loss of your son and brother,Jack. You are in our prayers at this most difficult time. Maureen and Margaret Kurcz

Our very deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

John and Mary Caffrey

Dear Jack, Joanne, Kevin and Mary Kate
There are no words to express our most sincere and deepest condolences but as you wished our prayers are with you, has being since this tragedy happened and will be forever. Again is there is any other way we can alleviated or help you through this difficult times do not hesitate in letting us now.
Luis, Claudia, Victor, Diego and Nicolas Osorio

Dear Callahan family ,

Although I never had the honor to meet young John , as a life long member of the St. Linus Parish I've had the honor to know many members of the wonderful Callahan family through the years and was coached at St. Linus by John's grandfather . My wife and I offer our deepest sympathies to the Callahan and Mcnamara families . Our prayers are with you at this difficult time as are the thoughts and prayers of the entire Hopkins family .

May 25, 2009

Praying for the family.

Jack:

I remember sitting with your family in the pouring rain at the Carmel of Mundaline game victory this year cheering on the team and Jack Jr. You should be very proud of your son. He played with the heart of a Champion. Our families prayers are with you and may our blessed Mother Mary hold Jack in her arms while he is in heavn. May his memory be eternal.

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Callahan family. You are in our prayers

Jack and Joanne, my son Ryan said it best when he told me "Jack was the happiest kid I've met at Marist. He was even cool to me, a freshman." I told him that he must have been just like his parents". My family I are praying for you and will continue to do so as we know the entire Marist Family will be praying for you.

Dear Callahan Family,
As members of St. John of the Cross parish we all share the pain when one of our members leaves us especially someone so young. I was curious about the red and white ribbons around the trees and now I know the reason. We will keep your family in our prayers during this extremely difficult time. May you find strength from God that will carry you through this great loss.

The DeMars Family

Dear Jack, Joanne, Kevin and Mary Kate,

We are so very sorry for your loss. Jack was a terrific friend and classmate to JJ. We will all miss him, especially his warm heart and wonderful smile! Our prayers are with you and your whole family now and in the future.
Susie, Jay, JJ and Kristin Donohue

Dear Callahan Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Jack. You are such a wonderful and loving family. Lean on each other and this will get you through these heartbreaking days.
Love to all of you,
Kathy (Eble) Ewing

Dear Jack,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We pray the LORD ALMIGHTY comfort and bring you condolence along with your family. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS on behalf of Ray and the Sewertech Family.

To the Callahan and McNamara Families:

Every member of the Faculty, Staff, and Students of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School extend our deepest sympathy to you on the tragic death of your beloved son Jack. We will pray that your many happy memories of Jack will help ease your unimaginable pain. We are so sorry that our world will be deprived of having such a fine young man in it. God bless and bring peace to you all.

Dear Callahan Family,
Our daughter Ellen was also from the Marist 09 class. We want you to know you are and will be in our prayers during this most difficult time. May God give you peace.
Susan David and Ellen Niedospial

Dear Callahan Family,
You don't know us but when we read the heartbreaking story about your beautiful son in the paper, I felt compelled to send a note. We too, lost our 29 yr. old son in his sleep two years ago.
When you said, "He went to bed happy", we cried. That was the first comment our Patrick's brother said. As difficult as it is right now, that is what will carry you through this tragedy. His wonderful life and personality will warm your hearts forever.
Sr. Rosemary from Misericorida wrote us a beautiful letter and said, "There are no answers, just the comfort of people to surround you." It is so true.
I was at Marist High School on April 30th presenting the DUI Program from the Circuit Court for the seniors. I am sure Jack was there.
We can truly say we know what your are going through and our hearts are broken for you.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers on this difficult journey.

Mary Alice Brice
Bridgeport

Bill & Bernadette,

Please accept our sincere condolances on the death of your grandson Jack. We will keep you all in our prayers.

Dear Jack, Joanne, Kevin and Mary Kate,

We are so shocked and saddened by this tragic news. Jack's days at SJC were remembered by both Shannon and Jonathan with admiration as an "upperclasman" who was Kevins's older brother that was so "funny and cool" and disbelief in his sudden passing. We are so very very sorry and our hearts are breaking with you at this time.

Nancy Letourneau, Bill, Shannon & Jonathan Markert

To the Callahan Family

My son is a '09 Marist graduate. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Joanne & Jack,
Our very deepest sympathy goes to you and your family. You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathy(Pufunt)& Tom Wolf

Dear Callahan Family,

May God's peace - which surpasses understanding - be with all of you at this time of loss. Our thoughts and prayers will remain with you.

The Carballo Family

To the Callahan family,
I am truly sorry for the sudden loss of your son. You are in my thoughts and prayers; during this difficult time. May the memories of Jack bring you comfort.

Maureen McGrath

Dear Callahn Family,
My daughter Kailyn is a member of Jack's class. I can't even begin to imagine the pain that you are going through. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Callhan Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

Dear Mr & Mrs.Callahan,
My daughter is an '09 Marist graduate and a friend of Jack's.
There was a big void at Graduation on Thursday night. It was apparent by the faces of students, parents & facility. Larry Tucker had beautiful, moving words to say about Jack & your family.Marist handled this very difficult situation with heartfelt grace.
Your son will be truly missed by many, many people.
Our deepest sympathy.
Alice & Philip Pitluck

To the Callahan and McNamara Families,

There are no words to express our sorrow at this unbelievable tragedy. You have all had far too many burdens to bear. May God sustain you through this most difficult time. Please know you are all in our continous thoughts and prayers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Joanne and Jack,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and all your family. Barb and Don Schaffer and Briana

Our deepest sympathy.

Jack and Joanne:
My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of a loved one. The love and strength of your family will give you the courage to endure this, as my family and friends did for me when I lost Pat.

To all the Callahans - I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know I'm thinking of you and sending love and prayers your way.

Jack, Joanne, Mary Kate, Kevin and Family,
Words cannot express how sorry I feel for your loss. Please know that our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you at this difficult time. You are a beautiful family and will get through this with the love and care of your friends and family.
Susan Janowski-Richey and Family

Callahan Family,
We pray for Jack III and for you.
There is no greater loss than that of a child. We can not even comprehend your grief and sadness and our words of sympathy are so inadequate. But know Joanne, Jack, Kevin, Mary Kate and Family that we are praying for you not only to find a peace with this but to get through it.

Joanne and Jack,Mary Kate and Kevin, we know what a blessing Jack was in all of your lives. Heaven certainly has one more angel today. You are in our deepest thoughts and prayers. With love and prayers, Mimi (Pufunt) and Larry Winkelvoss

To the family and friends of Jack,

While we have never met, you are in my prayers as you try to understand why Jack was taken from you so suddenly and at a time that should have been immensely joyful, when we was ready to step out into the world.
Turn to our Father to sustain you, and allow the love of family and friends, to lift you up in the days and weeks ahead. This story touched my heart and is a lesson for all of us. May the love of others be the face of Jesus at this time of sorrow and help to bring you comfort. My deepest sympathy.

Our hearts are broken for you as you endure this unbelievable tragedy. You will be in our prayers always. Jack was truly loved and will be truly missed by all who were blessed to cross his path in this life.

JoAnne and Jack, Words are not enough to express my condolances as you struggle with this most difficult time in your life. God works in strange ways and I know he will help you all through this as time goes on. Jack was loved by so many people and they are all around you for support for you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you struggle to be strong in what will be one of the hardest things you will need to ever deal with. Our deepest sympathy, Mona, Brian and Sara Bush

Jack and Joanne please know you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sue and Ed Devine

We are so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts ache for you as you begin this journey of learning to live with your son/brother in a very different way. We will pray that your faith and the love of family and friends will give you courage and hope in your sorrow.
The Dombrowski Family
Robert, Kelly, Xavier, Matthew, and Nathan always in our hearts

Dear Jack and Joanne,
Please know your entire family will be in our prayers!
The Jim Carroll Family

At times like this we strugggle to understand the tragic loss and seperation. Our faith tells us that Jesus has wrapped his around him.

Joanne, Jack, Kevin, Mary Kate, and all your Family:
I am so sorry for your loss of Jack; my heart breaks for you. AND I know that Jack IS - still and in the very present tense - with you, grateful to you, and so very proud of you. Imagine Jack being ready for Paradise in such a short time! God proved Jack and found him ready for Himself. Amen, indeed.
Remember: I am - we ALL are - here for you. Now and forever.
Blessings to you all.
And Love.