John F. Callinan Jr., veteran, had extensive career

John F. Callinan, 90, passed peacefully at home in Millsboro Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Raised in Edgewater, N.J., he was a graduate of Dwight Morrow High School, Seton Hall University, and Fordham Law. He was a partner in the law firm of Perskie and Callinan, Wildwood, N.J. Appointed to the New Jersey Superior Court, he served Cape May and Atlantic counties for 20 years.

He was elected sheriff of Cape May County and served two terms.

Proudly serving in both the U.S. Army and the Air Force, he was also a New Jersey State Police trooper, badge number 1577, and a Bergen County Police officer, badge number105.

His pursuits included being an instrument-rated private pilot, computer programmer, and shortwave radio operator WM20.

He is survived by his wife Suzann; daughter, Tricia Ann (Jimmy) and family; his brother, William (Helene); and nieces and nephews.

A gathering to celebrate his life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 14, at Cape May Winery, 711 Town Bank Road, North Cape May, N.J.

Memorial contributions can be made to Cape May County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Trust, 9 N. Main St., Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, or Cape May Kiwanis, P.O. Box 124, Cape May, NJ 08204.

Online condolences can be made by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.