Medford A. McCalip

Medford A. McCalip, of Yonkers and Middleburgh, died peacefully on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 with his wife by his side.  He was 89 years old.           

Born December 7, 1929 in Washington D.C. to Medford A. and Betty (Widmyer) McCalip, Mac was an only child.  He spent his early years in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and returned to Washington, D. C. in 1937.  One year later his family moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana attending grammar school on the campus of LSU where his father was conducting research and teaching.  In 1940 his family moved to Yonkers.  After graduating from Gorton High School in 1947, Mac attended the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, where he received his B.S. degree in Economics.  At PENN, Mac became Cadet Commander of the Air Force R.O.T.C. and a member of the Scabbard and Blade Fraternity, a military honor.  He was a member of Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity. 

Immediately upon graduation in 1951 Mac received his papers to report to Texas to begin service in the U. S. Air Force.  In November that same year he was transferred to March Air Force Base in Riverside, CA, eventually reaching the rank of 1st lieutenant.  In 1953 he returned to Yonkers and civilian life and served in the Air Force Reserves until 1959.

He was just 15 when Joan Marie Verdeaux, also of Yonkers, caught his eye at a YMCA dance and won his heart.  Following a five and a half year courtship, immediately following college graduation, Mac finally asked her father for her hand in marriage.  Soon after, they married on October 28, 1951 just before the newlyweds left for California. 

Mac was employed at Westvaco Corporation, at its Park Avenue office, working for the Fine Papers Division from 1953 until his retirement in 1994.       

Mac enjoyed listening to music for hours on end, on his vast collection of stereo equipment and recordings.  He said he was more interested in the hardware than the software, interested in exploring the technical capabilities of the equipment over a wide range of genres, including classical, jazz, blues, rock, rap, show tunes, heavy metal, opera and country.  He didn’t just listen to music, he felt the beat.  The vision of Mac and Joan on the dance floor on many occasions will be a lasting memory for many.

At the age of 40, Mac made fitness a priority.  For many years he ran 7.5 miles, six days a week, usually in the evening after work, in all kinds of weather.  He was recognized and admired by many in the community as being a dedicated runner.  Mac was a model of self-control when it came to diet.

In his early years he sailed a Sunfish at Otsego and Sacandaga Lakes.  Upon retirement, he bought a new and beautiful 24’ SeaRay Overnighter motor boat which he kept at Bolton Landing, NY for the next 20 years, to enjoy the beautiful waters and islands of Lake George with his family.  We will miss the Captain of the ship!

In his younger days Mac was a kicker for the high school football team, in his senior year gaining the most extra points in the city.  As a young father he enjoyed playing softball.  He liked watching football, basketball and baseball, rooting for local teams, PENN, LSU and West Virginia.  Most of all, he was a Yankees fan!

Mac was a gentleman and a man of integrity.  He was intelligent and honest.   He did not waste words.  He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Holding his memory the closest are his sweetheart of 73 years, Joan, and his daughters Michelle Matteis and Sharon Steinberg.  Sadly, he was predeceased by his youngest daughter, Lori Joan McCalip.  He will also be missed by his son in-laws Charlie Matteis and Phil Steinberg, four grandchildren Allison Sannasardo and husband Rob, Brandon McCalip Steinberg, Kelly Whelan and husband John, and Kathryn Steinberg, and 2 great-grandsons, Ryan and Dylan Sannasardo.

While services were held in Yonkers on February 17, 2019, Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC of Middleburgh is honored to be caring for Mac and his family.  Interment with Military Honors will be in the Middleburgh Cemetery in the Spring, at a date to be announced.

Donations in his memory may be made to The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite D, Woodbury, NY 11797

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