Joseph Calvert "Joe" McKay Jr.

Joseph Calvert McKay, Jr., 84, of Callaway, Maryland, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, at St. Mary’s Nursing Center in Leonardtown, Maryland. Born on January 11, 1942, he was the son of the late Joseph Calvert McKay, Sr. and Selma Rebecca (Dement) McKay.

Joe loved his family with all his heart. He was a hard worker and an inspiration to all who knew him. He loved being around people and made countless friends over the years. He owned and operated a successful landscaping/concrete business. He took pride in all his work.

Joe was the loving husband of Janice Marie (Wise) McKay. They were married at Holy Face Catholic Church on April 16, 1966, and celebrated their 60th anniversary this year. Joe was the father of Cindy Riti (Tim) of Callaway, MD and Stephanie McKay of Leonardtown, MD. He was the grandfather of Chad and Kyle Cartwright and step-grandfather of Kayley, Joey, and Lyndsey Riti. Joe is survived by his siblings, George McKay, Sr. (Nancy), Gail Underwood (Galin), and Margaret Brown (Andrew). He was predeceased by his sisters, Nancy McKay and Phyllis Cook.

Joe served in the Army National Guard of Maryland from February 1964 to February 1970 and received an Honorable Discharge. He completed Basic Training and his Military Occupation Specialty Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He served six years as a Motor Transport Operator.

Joe was a devout Catholic and a lifelong member of Holy Face Catholic Church where he served as an altar boy when he attended Little Flower School. In later years he served as an usher. He enjoyed playing Santa Claus at the Christmas Festival, and it was extra special when his own grandchildren came up and sat on his lap. Joe’s personality made him the perfect Santa. Joe had a special reverence for his Rosary. Quietly reciting the prayers of the Rosary brought him comfort and peace.

Joe enjoyed collecting scale-model tractors. He enjoyed listening to country music, watching old TV shows and playing cards. He enjoyed family gatherings, good food, and having a good time. He looked forward to spring and planting a vegetable garden. He was especially proud of his abundance of tomatoes. When he could no longer drive, Joe enjoyed having his daughter, Cindy, pick him up and take him to Brewster’s or wherever he wanted to go. He looked forward to Saturdays when his daughter, Steph, took him to yard sales; he always brought home a lot of treasures. Joe loved his dog, Sami. She was his lapdog and brought him a lot of joy.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with prayers recited at 7:00 PM, at Holy Face Catholic Church in Great Mills, Maryland, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the following morning, Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Face Catholic Church Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be George McKay, Jr., Ian Krusinski, Charlie Wise, Lawrence Pilkerton, Johnny Bean, Justin Browne, Steve Burch, and Neal Dyson. Honorary pallbearers will be Galin Underwood, C. D. Wood, Johnny Wood, James Tippett, Joe Lathroum, John English, Tommy Bowen, Tom Haynie, J. C. Dyson, B. C. Guzman, Tommy Tennyson, Jay Farr, Richard Wise, Johnny Bateman, and Milt Stauffer.

Contributions to honor Joe may be sent to St. Mary’s Nursing Center, 21585 Peabody Street, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650-2955.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, Maryland.