Joseph D. Callahan-Ferratti Foundation
Born in Morristown, Joe graduated from New Providence High School in 2012 and attended Union County Vocational-Technical School, where he received a degree in Electrical Technology. During the last three years of his life, Joe lived in Delray Beach, Florida, and he worked as an HVAC Technician for Jones AC.
From a very young age, Joe was an exceptional athlete. He played baseball, football, and basketball all through high school, helping the New Providence Pioneers football team win the state championship in 2010. He enjoyed staying active and always kept athletics in his life, had a passion for coaching youth basketball, kept up with sports statistics, and persistently rooted for the New York Jets.
Joe was a dog whisperer and an old soul, whose love of music spanned across genres — from Def Leppard to The Temptations. He was passionate about helping other people whenever and wherever he could, often putting the needs of others before his own. He had a big heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and an infectious smile that brightened up a room like no other. He was also full of life and embraced every day while fighting bravely through his daily battles.
Joe was a loving son, a beloved grandchild, a devoted boyfriend, and a wonderful friend. One of the brightest lights was extinguished from this world, and Joe is missed greatly by all whose lives he touched.
You can review the Foundation’s most recent fund statement and follow us on social media for updates:
How to donate
We welcome and are grateful for your donations to the Foundation. When you donate, please include your association with Joe (family, friend, etc.) in the notes section of the online donation page.
Those who donate $50 or more may receive one memorial coin. Click on the “In Memory of Joseph” button in the menu to read more about why we created the coin.
Additionally, cash contributions may be made payable by check to the “Community Foundation of New Jersey” and mailed to:
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Post Office Box 338
Morristown, NJ 07963-0338
For wiring instructions for cash contributions, please contact at Lydia Gracey at 973.267.5533 or lgracey@cfnj.org.
Foundation goals
The goal of the Joseph D. Callahan-Ferratti Foundation is to offer funds in one, or in a combination, of the following ways:
- Provide support and assistance for individuals and their families who are struggling with the disease of addiction. The Foundation will select organizations whose purpose and focus is on recovery, prevention, and helping to heal individuals and families from the disease of addiction. These programs and organizations will offer treatment placement assistance, recovery coaching, housing scholarships, and family support services.
- Offer funds for nonprofit animal rescue groups that focus on second chance opportunities for unwanted and abandoned animals. The Foundation will offer financial support to organizations whose sole purpose is providing food, shelter, veterinary services, foster care, spay neuter services, and adoption assistance to animals in their care.
- Support tuition assistance for students pursuing a career in the trades. The Foundation will partner with local institutions and high schools that encourage careers in the trades and offer selected individuals scholarship funds upon acceptance and enrollment into vocational programs.
Community impact
Since the creation of the Foundation, we’ve awarded $15,000 to the Herren Project. Our most recent $5,000 grant was donated in honor of Joe’s fourth anniversary.
Founded in 2011 by former professional basketball player Chris Herren, the Herren Project is a national nonprofit organization that provides free resources and support for recovery and the prevention of substance use disorder. Its mission is to help individuals and families to live healthy, fulfilling lives by preventing substance misuse, celebrating recovery, and creating resilient communities.
The Foundation is also working to promote The Black Poster Project. This addiction and overdose awareness group travels throughout the country with nearly 1,000 posters of beautiful souls who’ve lost their lives because of their personal battle with addiction, drugs, alcohol, and mental health. This “Silent Memorials” exhibit features special sections that honor military veterans and others who’ve passed from this disease.
Its mission is to educate communities — along with middle, high, and college students — by raising awareness and reducing stigma regarding addiction.
In memory of Joseph
This memorial coin was created to honor the life, character, and legacy of Joseph Callahan. Every detail reflects the pride he took in his work, the joy he brought to those around him, and the strength that defined him.
The front of the coin captures a moment that meant a great deal to Joseph — completing his first HVAC system entirely on his own. It represents his independence, work ethic, and determination to master his craft. The colors and football helmets pay tribute to his high school football team and their New Jersey State Championship victory at MetLife Stadium, symbolizing teamwork, perseverance, and achievement. Joseph’s birth date and passing date are included as a reminder of the time he shared with us and the impact he made.
The reverse side reflects Joseph’s spirit on the job and the humor he was known for. When asked what he was doing while working, his familiar response was always, “Surfing the Trusses.” The trusses shown on the coin represent our home being built in Arizona on the same day Joseph passed — an enduring symbol of strength, foundation, and legacy. Inscribed as if written in Sharpie are the words, “In Memory of Joseph Callahan 12/14/93 – 11/20/21.”
His nickname, “Ratchet,” is also proudly displayed alongside the colors of his favorite NFL team, the New York Jets. Engraved along the edge of the coin is the Serenity Prayer, offering a message of peace, strength, and acceptance. Together, these elements tell Joseph’s story and serve as a lasting reminder of a life lived with heart, humor, and purpose.