A dear friend of RJ's shared recently, "RJ had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever known." Attempting to make sense of the loss he commented, "His heart was too big for his body."

Richard James (RJ) Callahan Jr., 48, died peacefully in his sleep on April 27th, 2026.

Anyone who knew RJ knows he gave his all. Though he endured many health challenges, his spirit and sense of humor remained strong. Despite these challenges, he lived a full life.

He loved music; creating playlist after playlist or just randomly showing up in front of someone's house blasting music from his car. He loved to fish and dreamed of being able to do that more. He was always playful and connected with others on topics that interested them. He loved being a coach for Upward basketball this past year and was involved with the John Bower league alongside his nephews.

RJ is survived by his mother, Janet Berrigan Callahan. As big as RJ's heart was, so too is the depth of the wound Janet now carries with his loss.

He is also survived by his three beloved nephews Chase (godson), Connor, and Cooper Cowden; his godchildren, Lucia Miele and Brandon Shearer, and many honorary godchildren whom he loved and who loved him. RJ leaves behind a large extended family and a community of dear and close friends that he cared deeply about.

He is preceded in death by his father Richard James Callahan Sr. and his sister Shannon Kathleen Callahan Cowden.

RJ graduated from Loyalsock Township High School in 1996 and was proud when he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Purdue University. He was a certified paralegal. RJ's experiences were wide ranging, all leading him to new and lifelong friends and acquaintances.

The family and dear friends of RJ take great comfort knowing he spent this last year of his life deepening his spiritual journey with God.

None of us could have known how in the season of giving his life and heart to God it would be so complete, so sudden. So much left undone and unsaid. We pray he now rests in peace. He will be greatly missed.

Another friend shared:

"RJ was the most generous person I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I'm damn lucky to have been able to call him my friend, my brother. He'd give the shirt off his back, even if it was the only one he had. He always had an ear available. He loved to make others smile and laugh. And he loved the ones around him with everything he had. I'll never forget what he did for me. Although we may never see him again, as energy cannot be created nor destroyed, we can (try to) rest easy knowing he is all around us and he is no longer suffering or in pain."

There is a well-known quote that we may all take comfort in by St. John Chrysostom, "Those we love and lose are no longer where they were, they are everywhere we are."

A funeral service will be held at Faith United Methodist Church, 700 Fairview Dr., Montoursville, PA 17754, 1:00 pm Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Burial will take place at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully suggests memorial contributions in RJ's name may be made to; The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Delaware Valley Chapter, 4309 Linglestown Rd., Suite 108, Harrisburg, PA 17112, cff.org or House of Grace Catholic Worker, 1826 E. Lehigh Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125