Obituary of Carmen Gary Callari
Carmen G. Callari, 89, of North Plainfield, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Born on April 2, 1935, in Bayonne, NJ, to Battista and Petrina Callari, Carmen’s life was marked by unwavering love, hard work, and devotion to his family and community.
Carmen spent most of his life in Bayonne, where he was raised and graduated from Bayonne High School. It was during these early years that he met the love of his life, Patricia A. Callari, while they were both in high school. They were married for many wonderful years until Patricia’s passing in 2010. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and shared adventures, raising their three children: John Callari, Mary Ellen Fitzhenry, and Patricia Hahn.
A proud veteran, Carmen enlisted in the Army Reserves on May 25, 1958, serving his country with honor until March 15, 1964. His time in the military reflected his strong sense of responsibility and discipline, traits that remained with him throughout his life.
Carmen enjoyed a long and dedicated career as a forklift operator at the Ford Motor Company in Metuchen, NJ, retiring in 1996. He was an active and devoted member of St. Andrew’s Church in Bayonne during his younger years and later became a member of St. Mary’s Stony Hill Church in Watchung after moving to North Plainfield 26 years ago. His faith was an enduring source of strength and comfort throughout his life.
In his free time, Carmen had a passion for sports, whether it was cheering for his favorite football, baseball, or basketball teams, or discussing recent games with his friends and family. He also took great pride in maintaining his lawn, carefully ensuring it was always in pristine condition, a reflection of his attention to detail and love of home.
Travel was another passion in Carmen’s life, particularly with his beloved Patricia and their family. Early on, they enjoyed vacations to warm island destinations, and later in life embraced the ease and relaxation of cruises. These trips were a chance to experience new places, share meaningful moments, and create cherished memories that his family will treasure forever.
Carmen’s greatest joy, however, came from spending time with his family. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Carmen was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patricia, his parents, Battista Callari and Petrina Baccarella Callari, and his dear sisters, Camille Conti and Jean Mastandrea. He is survived by his children: John Callari, Mary Ellen Fitzhenry and her husband Kevin, and Patricia Hahn and her husband John; his grandchildren: Alyssa Devine, Christine Hahn, Erin Hahn, Katherine Hahn, Kiera Hahn, and Kevin Sean Fitzhenry; and his great-grandson, Aiden Devine.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A funeral mass will follow at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Stony Hill Church in Watchung. Entombment will take place after the mass at St. Mary’s Stony Hill Cemetery in Watchung.
Carmen’s life was a testament to love, perseverance, and faith. He touched the lives of all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to support causes close to his heart.
