Bruce Frederick Callen

OSWEGO – Bruce Frederick Callen, 79, of Minetto, passed away peacefully at his home on December 14, 2025, and joined his heavenly family with the Lord.

Born in Oswego, to James Callen and Ann (Cira) Callen, Bruce was one of 6 siblings.

Bruce graduated from Oswego High School, where he was a standout track and football player.

He served in the United States Marine Corps and was a very proud veteran.   Bruce worked for the Onondaga County Water Authority for 11 years and worked at Alcan for 20 years, in multiple departments. He retired in 2003.  During his years of work, Bruce provided an example of a strong work ethic for his two sons, a work ethic that couldn’t be rivaled.  His priority was to be the best provider he could be for his “Bride” and two sons.

Bruce loved all sports and loved playing golf when he was able.  He was a huge Buffalo Bills, Syracuse Orange, New York Yankees, and NASCAR fan.  He enjoyed going to games with his family and especially enjoyed activities at the dome.  Many believed he was a man of few words, but if you asked the right questions, especially anything about his family, he had a lot to share.  He had endless pride in his family, loved family dinners, and loved watching his kids and grandchildren play sports.  Bruce had a huge heart, gave the best hugs, and the firmest handshakes. Always a hard worker, Bruce loved working alongside his sons, helping in any way he could. As recently as this fall, he begged to help split cords of wood at a time with Sean. He had a strong, unwavering faith in God and was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.  Family and Faith were everything to Bruce, and his strength and presence will be missed beyond words.

For many years, the adult dayhab program at St. Luke’s provided his weekday structure, and he thrived with all the activities and friendships there.

Bruce is survived by his devoted sons Sean (Aimee) Callen and Greg Callen, his pride and joy grandchildren, Matthew, Catherine, and Daniel Callen, his sister Rose (Callen) Ford, many nieces and nephews, including closest to him niece Kim “Teardrop” (Bill )Russel, and his loved extended family Bill and Sue Nelson, John and Justine Nelson, and “grandchildren” Jude and Juliet Nelson.

In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Mae Callen, in 2022, his brothers, James Callen and Richard Callen, and his sisters, Diana (Callen) Hannenberg and Karen (Callen) Coad.

Bruce’s family would like to extend a special thank you to his home healthcare aides, “his girls”, who cared for him with unconditional love and compassion over the past four years.  He very much loved them.

Family and friends are invited to call from 4-6 pm on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Nelson Funeral Home, 11 West Albany Street.  A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 12:30 pm on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Minetto. Burial will be held in the spring.