John R. Callan of Fairport, NY, passed away on the morning of Friday, August 5, 2022. He was surrounded by the love of his family at the time of his passing. John was a devoted husband, friend, and true soul mate for over 45 years to his beloved wife, Marci.
John is survived by his wife Marci Callan, two children – son Ryan Callan and daughter Carly Callan Gleber. He is also survived by his sister Mary Leonard, grandson Lennon Gleber, and son-in-law Lucas Gleber; he is predeceased by his brother James (Jim) Callan, Jr., father James (Jim) Callan, Sr., and mother Ruth Mae Callan.
John was a graduate of Saint Francis High School in Los, Altos, California, where he was a captain of the varsity golf team. He would later serve his country honorably in the United States Army for two years as an MP, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
In later years he would become an award-winning salesman for companies such as “Coffee On The Bay”, one of his favorite jobs as a sales distributor of coffee in the San Francisco Bay Region. He was also a lead sales executive for the “Fortune 500” company, Dun & Bradstreet. In the mid to late 80’s he went on to be a writer for the Brighton-Pittsford Shopper and in the early 90’s worked for Xerox as an emergency order specialist.
John loved sports. In particular, the sport of horse racing. In 1973 he saw, in person, Secretariat win the Triple Crown, including the Belmont Stakes where Secretariat raced an astonishing 2:24.00 (standing record), dusting his rivals by a staggering 31 lengths. John loved the Saratoga Racetrack and never missed their opening day for 30 consecutive years.
John’s other interests included World War II history, and music – including musical artists: Glen Campbell, Elvis, the Everly Brothers, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Brian Wilson, and Carly Simon to name a few. One of his favorite songs was “God Only Knows”, written by Wilson and performed by the Beach Boys.
For the past 17 years John was a consistent charitable contributor to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to this charity.
John’s family will be having a “Celebration of Life” to honor his memory. Details will be announced later.
Comments
25 responses to “Callan, John R.”
We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. Although we never met him, we can see the kindness and love your family has for eachother and we’re sure he had a huge influence on that. May God provide you with comfort during this time. With love, The Knausz Family
Marci, Ryan, and Carly – We are very sorry to learn of your loss. What a beautiful tribute to his life and legacy! We pray that you find comfort in your memories and in each other.
Love,
The Carrigan Family
Marci, Ryan & Carly,
We are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Although we have never met him, the love you have for him shines through in the words of his obituary. May you find comfort in the coming days in your cherished memories of him. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Love, the Poleon & Miller family
Marci, Ryan and Carly, We are so sorry to hear about John. He was a larger than life person. You all still have a very strong bond with each other that will help yo get through this tough time. We love you guys and think of you often. Jill, John, Johnny and Jeff.
He was a legend and a great person to spend time with, will be missed by so many
We are sending our deepest condolences to Callan family. May John Rest In Peace .
So sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you
The loss of Johnny “Crown”, as his horse playing friends called him, has left a permanent scar on our hearts. The “Fundmaster”, as he referred to himself, cannot be replaced for those of us that loved him. There are no words of expression to say of our crushing loss. May God give us strength to get through this difficult time.
Marci, I am so sad to hear that you have lost your loving partner. I will be thinking of you and yours.
Marci and family, so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Always loved talking with him on the phone. What a good guy he was. May he rest in peace. And peace to you, Ryan, Carli and family.
I’m very sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are with all of you.
Marci, Ryan, & Carly,
We’re so saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved husband and father. May you feel love and support at this difficult time. Your family is in our thoughts.
Love,
The Sterrett Family
Dear Marci, Ryan and Carly,
What a wonderful tribute to a life well lived. We are so sorry for your loss and send our sympathy,.
Linda and Pete Jenner
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. We know from all the stories you’ve shared with us how special John was and how much love you all have for one another. Marci, Carly and Ryan, please know you are in our thoughts today and always. Sending you love & light.
Marci, Ryan & Carly, We were very sorry to learn of your husband & father’s passing. Our hope is that your happy memories bring comfort to you in the days, months & years ahead. You will be in our thoughts & prayers. Sincerely, Steve, Cathy, Patrick, Brendan, Gregory & Stephanie Danner
I met Johnny ‘Crown’ about 35 years ago in Saratoga and quickly became good friends thru our love of sports and an occasional wager. I will forever remember the great times we shared on numerous trips to Vernon Downs for the Kentucky Derby, Breeders Cup or just a 2-3 day getaway for golf and some gambling. Johnny C. was a master slot player who had a knack for finding the hot machines. We shared countless laughs and good times that I will miss greatly. Johnny spoke often of his wonderful family and how fortunate he was to have Marcy and how proud he was of Ryan and Carly and the recent addition of Lennon. Johnny is already greatly missed and most certainly leaves a great void in my life Thank you Johnny for all the memories you created and for being my good friend…..May you Rest In Peace. May God comfort you Marci,Ryan,Carly,Lucas and Lennon in this time of sorrow.
Marcy, Ryan, Carly & family,
So sorry to read of John’s passing. He was a wonderful man, very easy to talk with and a very calming presence. A very interesting and personable fella. Many a night I would stop by the front porch and visit with John as a fellow Clinton Place neighbor. We would both celebrate making it through another day :). John was a good man and will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss.
My heart is wounded yet my soul is strengthened by the passing of Johnny Crown/John Callan.. John and I met at St. James School in fifth grade. We have been friends ever since. 65 years We were together at Belmont for Secretariat. I attended his magical marriage to Marci. We had our last phone conversation two weeks ago in which I was able to tell him tell him I loved and that although I was a lifelong admirer of legendary Johnny Crown, the real John Callan had surpassed the legendary Crown many years ago in terms of courage, love of family, faith, optimism and friendship. The last words he said to me were these “We’ll, see each other again”. The next time I “call Crown” it will be a prayer.
I’ll always miss my Uncle John too. My father, his brother was so close to him. I’ll also tell your other classmate
from St. James , Betsy Behr that he passed.
Sorry for the family’s loss. I was a classmate of John’s at St. James School. He was a well liked by everyone! May God give you all peace and comfort.
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. May he rest in peace,
Togay Family
I admire your positive outlook, despite health problems over the years and your love of family. I treasure our friendship and will forever remember our trips to many different racetracks and our grudge golf matches. all of us will miss you.
Marci,Ryan,and Carley… We are very sorry for your loss and hope good memories of John will help you heal …..Bill, Joanne and Chris
Marci, Ryan, Carly, & Family, Sending you peace and comfort as you remember and celebrate the life of your Husband/Dad/Grandad. May the kindness, care, and love you put into your community surround you during this difficult time. You have an army of supporters sending you our love and positive thoughts. With Sincerest Sympathy, Bill, Amanda, Alyssa, & Sydney Galley
A warm smile comes across my face when I think of John. I see that mischievous grin in the corner of his mouth coupled with that sparkle in his eyes as if he knows something no one else is tuned to.
I miss my friend and would love to call him today. I mourn the physical loss’ of John yet I celebrate his freedom and the journey he now begins.