John Richard MacCallum

John Richard MacCallum, 99, of Camillus, passed away peacefully on Wednesday at Matthew House.

A lifetime resident of the Syracuse area, John was a 1944 graduate of Central High School. He proudly served his country as a U.S. Navy veteran in both World War II and the Korean War.

Following his service, John pursued higher education at Syracuse University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. He went on to dedicate a long and meaningful career to helping others, working at Hutchings Psychiatric Center for over 15 years before retiring in 1989.

John had a deep love of the outdoors and enjoyed gardening, hunting, and fishing. He was also active in his community. When he wasn’t cheering on Syracuse University athletics he was volunteering with the American Scottish Pipe Band—where he took great pride in watching both of his sons and nephew play.

John was predeceased by his wife, Gloria; son, John R. Jr.; daughter, Janet Pitcher; parents, Robert and Sarah; brothers, Robert and Alex; and sister, Helen Singer.

Surviving are his son, Douglas of Marcellus; grandsons, Andrew and Ralph Pitcher, and John MacCallum III; granddaughters, Mary (Corey) Fike, Sarah (Dave) Wilson, and Jeannine Struble; daughter-in-law, Kathleen MacCallum; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be private.

John will be laid to rest in Belle Isle Cemetery, Warners.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Matthews House, Inc., 43 Metcalf Dr., Auburn, NY 13021.