Burton “Burt” Callif, age 83, of Toledo, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. He was born at home on August 17, 1937 to Jack and Dorothy (Remer) Callif in Toledo. Burt was a graduate of Macomber High School and married the love of his life, Maxine (Sherman) Callif on August 25, 1957 at B’nai Jacob.
Burt retired from Pepsi Cola Co. after 42 years of service, having worked in quality control and management. While working at Pepsi, he also took over his mother’s well-known catering company. He worked feverishly at Burt’s Catering for years, supplying delicious food to Toledo’s Jewish community. He was a long-time member of Temple Shomer Emunim. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed bowling, retirement, chocolate (especially Snickers), UT Women’s Basketball and playing the lottery! Burt loved to travel with Maxine. They made wonderful memories on the many cruises they experienced, especially the one to Alaska.
Burt was a great husband, a hard-working father and a doting grandpa and great-grandpa. He was also a mensch. He was always available to chauffer non-driving friends for their errands or as transportation to mutual events. He also devoted time as a Boy Scout den leader and a youth basketball and baseball coach.
Burt will be best remembered for his love of poker. He was an aficionado who had groups of friends at different venues with whom he spent countless hours, so much so that he even played virtually during the pandemic! He looked forward to the day when he and his buddies could play cards again in-person. It happened at the end of April in his home and a great time was had by all!
He is survived by Maxine, his partner for 63 years; sons, Lester Frank (Sandi) Callif and Robert Allen Callif; grandchildren, Daniel, Matt (Chelsey), Jamey (Brie), Corey and Bradley (Kristi Lynne) Callif; great-grandchildren, Ava, Luci, Gio and Sophia; dear nieces and nephews – too many to count - and a host of dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Ede Hess and Arnold Callif.
Graveside service will be Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 2pm in Beth Shalom Cemetery, Oregon, Ohio.
In an attempt to include friends and family from far and wide to celebrate the life of Burt Callif we are pleased to offer a Live Stream of the Graveside Funeral for Burt beginning at 1:45pm on Thursday, May 27th for those who wish to attend the Graveside Service virtually.
To attend the Live Stream of Burt’s Graveside Funeral Service please CLICK HERE anytime after 1:45pm on Thursday, May 27, 2021 and you will be directly connected to the Live Stream of the Service.
Shiva will be held on Thursday, Sunday and Monday at 6:30 at Maxine’s home.
Memorial Contributions may made to The American Heart Association or to any Temple Shomer Emunim fund.
Burt’s family would like to thank the Critical Care nurses and staff on Toledo Hospital’s ninth floor and especially to Dr. Daniel J. Pipoly for his years of compassionate and excellent care.
Arrangements by Robert H. Wick/Wisniewski Funeral Home (419) 535-5840.
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