John “Cal” Calabrese, 78, of Rock Hill, SC passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his beloved wife Susan (Calabrese) and his five children.
John was born on July 27, 1945 to Peter & Ann Calabrese in Torrington, CT. John was raised in the Town Plot area of Waterbury alongside his older siblings Judith (Calabrese) Jamele and Robert Calabrese. It was here in Town Plot that his mother Ann instilled the importance of family that John carried with him throughout his life. While he always preferred to be outside playing games or having a laugh with friends, he managed to graduate from Croft High School in 1964.
In 1965, he was called upon for service by the United States Army where he proudly served his country, just as his father served before him. When he returned home, he married Laurie (Fletcher, Calabrese) Gorski. Together they had two sons, Wayne Calabrese and Scott Calabrese, who they raised as a team.
In 1974, a woman named Susan Dunn caught his eye while out at a restaurant. John missed an opportunity to speak with her that evening and thought he lost his chance. He was thrilled that he had the good fortune to cross paths with her again at a party soon after. He was so happy to have met someone as passionate about family as he was, who would not only grow his family, but also raise his first two sons as her own. John and Susan were married for 47 years and have three children, Jessica (Calabrese) Standard, Christine (Calabrese) Poltawsky, and Michael Calabrese.
John graduated from Mattatuck Community College in 1975 with an Associate Degree. He used this degree to make a career as a salesman in electronics marketing. Throughout his over 35year career he was beloved by his coworkers, many of whom would become lifelong friends. He was avid golfer, pillar of community theater, and nothing made him happier than to be on a vacation with his wife, family, or friends. He saw much of the world on his travels and spent many relaxing summer vacations in Emerald Isle surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
John loved the people he chose to surround himself with throughout his life. He was a provider with a generous heart and would do anything for the ones he loved (though he would be the first to tell you he couldn’t do it without Susie). He loved to be the center of attention and was always ready with a joke and a smile. If he had one universal piece of advice he could provide the world it would be, “Be careful driving, wet leaves are just like ice.” And you could bet if he was going to ask you something, it would be, “What is for dinner?”
In addition to his wife Susan, he is survived by his five children, Wayne (Mary) Calabrese, Scott (Ruth) Calabrese, Jessica Calabrese Standard, Christine (Eric) Poltawsky, and Michael (Aric) Calabrese, his brother Robert (Margaret) Calabrese, four grandchildren, Chase Standard, Olivia Calabrese, Alexander Poltawsky, and Jaxson Poltawsky, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Peter & Ann Calabrese, and his sister Judith (Andy) Jamele.
Celebrations of life in both South Carolina and Connecticut to be announced by the family at a later date.