James Donald Callery (Jim), 91, beloved husband of the late Anne O’Rourke Callery, passed away peacefully at his residence, Benchmark of Newtown, on August 4, 2026.

He was the son of Anthony Thomas and Gladys Louise (O’Sullivan) Callery and was born on September 2, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York.

Jim attended St. John’s Prep, choosing to leave school to enlist for three years in the Army during the Korean conflict. He was stationed in Korea. After the war ended, he was stationed in Okinawa and the Philippines, rising to the rank of Specialist 4th class, specializing in Morse code. When he returned, he began a distinguished 38-year career with American Can Company. His career began in the Brooklyn, N.Y., plant as a mailroom clerk.

He met his future wife of 54 years, Anne O’Rourke, at a dance in Brooklyn in 1958. They wed in 1960 and began their life in Brooklyn, where their son was born. At this time, Jim began attending Wagner College in the evening, as well as earning his GED. He graduated in 1969 with a BA in Economics. His career relocated them to Puerto Rico; Houston, Texas; and finally, Danbury. He retired as the Vice President of Employee and Labor Relations.

After retirement they purchased a home in Jupiter, Fla., and split their time between there and their home in Danbury.

Jim was an avid fisherman, a passionate NY Mets, originally Brooklyn Dodgers and NY Giants fan. His Irish humor was appreciated by all who knew him.

In retirement they travelled throughout the world as well as enjoyed numerous family vacations. Anne passed in 2015.

Jim is survived by his son James and his wife Cynthia (Horne) of Sandy Hook. He was Poppy to his three grandchildren, Jennifer Callery-Stokes (husband Benjamin Stokes), Brendan Callery (Girlfriend Hannah Davis) and Abigail Callery-Murphy (Husband Austin Murphy). His life was greatly enriched by his great grandson, Sullivan Stokes. He was also survived by his beloved nieces and nephew.

He was predeceased by his parents, wife Anne, his sister Maryann (Callery) Hunt, and his goddaughter/niece Kathleen Hunt Casey (a victim of 9/11).

Calling hours will be from 9-11 am on Friday, August 14, at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am at St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road in Newtown. Burial will follow at the CT State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to The Catholic War Veterans, www.CWV.org, or in honor of Jim’s wife, the Alzheimer’s Foundation, www.alz.org.

The Newtown Bee August 14, 2026