In Loving Memory of
John Henry Callahan
June 11, 1957 – December 13, 2020
A Virtual Celebration of Life Gathering was held on January 31, 2021 at 5:00 PM EST
John Henry Callahan, 63, of Fairfax, VA passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2020.
John Henry was born in Levittown, PA in 1957 and grew up in Blue Bell, PA. He was the son of Regina (Flood) and the late Francis Patrick Callahan. He graduated from Wissahickon High School, in Ambler, PA. He first attended Penn State University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Strayer University after moving to Virginia. He retired from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) as a Network Administrator. Prior to that position he served as a Technical Investigator for the NCIS Technical Surveillance Countermeasures program where he was awarded the Global War on Terrorism medal.
Family was essential to John Henry. He adored his wife Cindy and always knew how lucky he was to have her in his life. He took great pride in the achievements of his sons Patrick and Dylan and was never happier than when hanging out with them listening to music. As the fifth of eight siblings, John Henry was appreciated for the love and caring he showed to each of them. Some he saw frequently, others rarely and yet he was always able to connect, listen, help, and offer advice.
Counted among John Henry’s family are his friends with whom he maintained strong bonds, taking vacations and celebrating holidays together. A man of strong political opinions who loved and wanted the best for his country, he took pride in his friendships with others who had different, even opposite views. He was always willing to debate in person, by text, Facebook, or email, and would listen and share his thoughts.
John Henry was a wonderful cook and baker and loved to entertain. Those joining him and his family for Thanksgiving were in for a special treat. He loved music, enjoyed gardening, DIY home projects, and floating in his backyard pool. He was closely involved with a major remodel of his home, working and befriending the architect and builders, picking up skills in carpentry and plumbing to make lasting contributions to his beautiful family home. He also traveled extensively and had great appreciation of other countries and cultures.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Cindy; his sons, Patrick and Dylan; his mother, Regina Callahan (nee Flood); and his loving siblings, Frank (Rose), Tim (Mariana), Regina King (Jim (deceased)), Mary (Cliff Weingus), Eileen (Joe Werth), Terry (Kay Kartechner), and Paul (Qaiobing Tang), his sister-in-law Cheryl Cady Burnisky (Dave), 13 nieces and nephews and 10 great nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his close friends Bill and Maureen Groves, Jack Rase and many other friends from childhood, work and the neighborhood.
John Henry deeply loved his family and friends and generously helped others. He loved to share advice and offer opinions. He was a wonderful conversationalist. His wisdom, wit, words and laughter are sorely missed. If you were lucky enough to know John Henry Callahan then you were lucky enough.
In lieu of flowers, memory donations for John Callahan can be made to Food for Others.
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While living in Blue Bell with grandma from 2013 to 2020, I was fortunate that I got to spend more time with John Henry when he visited. I always admired him. I remember when grandma was at The Hill recovering after surgery, John Henry was in Blue Bell working to make the house safe for grandma’s return. He was very thoughtful about the placement of the grab bars because while helping grandma get around the house, there was always one for her to hold onto. He installed a pellet stove to help warm the house because the cost of warming the house with oil was very costly. His generosity and talent knew no bounds. I know grandma was very proud and appreciative of everything he did to help her maintain her independence whiling making sure that the Callahan home stood warm and strong; she would tell me often. He will always be in my heart and in my memories. My heartfelt condolences go out to Cindy, Patrick, and Dylan, and the entire Callahan family.
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Cindy, as I mentioned when we talked on the phone, my sincere sympathies to you and the boys (and all your extended family).
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My thoughts and prayers are with Cindy, Patrick, Dylan and the entire family as you gather together for John Henry’s celebration of life. I will always remember John Henry’s smile and how he welcomed me to visit. I wish we did get together. I wish the entire family comfort and strength and I know John Henry lived his life to the fullest and he will always be with you in your memories of wonderful times together. My most sincere sympathy to all who were closest to him. Prayers for healing.
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We will always fondly remember John as a great neighbor! There for good conversations, a willing friend with a shovel in hand and a home filled with hospitality. We pray all of his family and friends will continue to feel his love and find comfort in knowing his life goes on through them.
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Our deepest sympathies. Paul and Kathy Jones