Rev. John Mark Califf's Obituary
The Reverend John Mark Califf, age 87, of Mount Laurel, NJ died on Sunday, August 28, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 24, 1935 in Coatesville, PA to Margaret Fearon Glossner and Ellery Mark Califf. He grew up in Avondale and Lancaster, PA.
He earned a B.A. in English from Franklin and Marshall College, an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and an M.L.S. from Rutgers University. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1960 in his home church in Lancaster, PA.
From 1960 to his retirement in 2005, John served churches in Hempstead, NY, Berwick, PA, Massapequa, NY, Setauket, NY, and Cinnaminson, NJ. He also served as the Interim Executive Presbyter of The Presbytery of Long Island. He continued his ministry as a theological librarian and cataloguer at Drew University in Madison, NJ.
John was an avid reader and deeply loved literature, poetry, classical music, theater, history and politics, cooking, dinners with friends and family, homemade pies of any kind, a fine cup of tea, a good joke, and travel to Europe, the United States, and especially many summers on Martha’s Vineyard with his family.
John, a beloved husband, is survived by his devoted wife of sixty years, Bette Ann Califf (née Macauley) whom he married on November 18, 1961 at Christ’s First Presbyterian Church in Hempstead, NY.
John, a proud and loving father, is also survived by his caring sons, Dr. David John Califf and Paul Mark Califf, Esq., and his loyal daughter-in-law, Debra Ann Califf.
A cherished grandfather “Wolf” is survived by his precious grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Califf and Matthew Mark Califf, all of whom made his life complete, for family meant everything to John.
John’s burial service will be private and take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Caldwell, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to a charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?