Obituary of Joseph J. McCallin

We that loved him so, followed him and honored him. He had lived well, laughed often and loved much. He was the thoughtful and sensitive kind, an honest and warmhearted man. The Irish would say that bricks and mortar make a house, but the laughter of children makes a home. Joe was the father of seven. He dedicated his life to his children "gone fishin" with his boys and teaching his girls how to be strong. It's said that the saddest day of your future should be no worse than the happiest day of your past. The saddest day came on Friday September 16 when Joseph J. "Jed" McCallin, Sr. passed away at home surrounded by the love of his family. Joe was born in Philadelphia and spent his early years there. During his freshman year in High School Joe left to be a part of the "Greatest Show on Earth" and went to work for the Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus. While the Circus was in Philadelphia, Joe met a young lady, Rose, who he had to dance with! That single dance led to 56 loving years of marriage. The McCallin's made their home in Hammonton in 1960. It was at home where Joe loved spending time in the cellar shaping Plexiglas, making stump lamps and spending Saturday mornings in front of the TV watching wrestling and in 1987 Joe and Rose moved to Blue anchor, New Jersey. Joe had worked for C.F.E. in Hammonton for 12 years and part time delivering pizzas in his later years where he earned the nickname "Jed". Joe & his wife traveled a lot but there was no place like at the Ancora or Egg Harbor Lakes. Mr. McCallin is survived by his wife Rose (nee Roby) and is the father of Jean & her husband Butch Perna, Barbara & her husband Frank Berghof, Joseph J., Jr. & his wife Patricia, Rosemary & her husband Jimmy Restuccio, Betty Ann McCallin, Howard & his wife Brandy & the late Alexander. Joe is the proud grandfather of; 18 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 2 great, great, grandchildren and 1 on the way. He is also survived and will be sadly missed by his faithful companion Angel. Relatives and friends are invited to remember and pay tribute to Joe's fishin' stories, Plexiglas shelves, lamps and fond memories of a husband, father and grandfather on Wednesday evening between 6pm and 7 pm at the LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home 441 White Horse Pike, Atco where a memorial ceremony will be celebrated at 7 pm. As an expression of sympathy donations can be made to the family C/O the funeral home P.O. Box 297 Atco , NJ 08004.