Karl Maurice Callaway

Karl Maurice Callaway, 55, of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, departed this life on September 5, 2023, peacefully at home. He was born June 27, 1968, to his beloved parents, the late Sherman Long and Dr. Pauline Callaway-Long. Karl attended elementary school in Clairton until he and his mother moved to Duluth, Minnesota in 1980. Every summer, he returned home to Clairton where he played baseball with his friends for the Royster’s baseball team.

He graduated from Central High School in Duluth in 1986 and went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh where he would meet some of his lifelong friends. Shortly after that, he happened to walk into an Eat ‘N Park in McKeesport, PA one night where he would meet the love of his life, affectionately known to him as “Aer.” The pair would then go on to add three beautiful children to their family.

Karl entered the workforce at an early age where he worked various jobs until he began his career at the Irvin Works plant of United States Steel. He was employed through US Steel, working in a myriad of different positions throughout the mill, until his retirement in June of 2023 with nearly 27 years of service.

In his spare time, Karl enjoyed spending time with his family, whether traveling, going out to eat, or just enjoying his time off. Karl had a great love for his friends and family and jokingly had different fun nicknames for many of his loved ones.  Karl, like his father, had a unique sense of humor.  He could say things that would take a few minutes to determine whether he was joking or serious. He could keep you entertained and was always a pleasure to be around. He was a natural-born leader with wisdom beyond his years.  Karl reached out and always helped many of his family and friends at all times.  It was just who he was, a very understanding and generous person. His family was the pride and center of his life.

Over the course of many years, Karl fought through various illnesses. Despite the trials and tribulations that arose in his life, Karl remained steadfast and faithful to honoring the Lord.  He attended First AME Church in Clairton with his family.

Karl was preceded in death by his father Sherman Long, maternal grandparents Paul and Lizzie Mae Callaway, paternal grandparents, who helped raise him, Arthur and Ruth Long, and brother-in-law Caleb Leggett. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Aerika; three children, Karlaysia, Kalia, and Khalil, all of Monroeville; mother Dr. Pauline Callaway-Long of Clairton; sister Gerri (Marcus) McCullough of North Versailles; father-in-law Mark (Judy) Jones of Duquesne; sister-in-law Misti Jones of Penn Hills; brothers-in-law Clifton (Sherell Goins) Leggett of McKeesport, and JaVaughn (Ashley) Jones of Penn Hills; his uncle Melvin Long, and aunts Cheryl Long of West Mifflin, Cynthia Long of Clairton who were like siblings to Karl; and his aunt Frieda Woolridge of Lathrop, California. He is also survived by a host of other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and many friends.

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