John Leon Calabro, a life-long resident of Greenwich, lover of raw clams, counter of cards, and gardener of the largest tomatoes and hottest peppers, died on October 14, surrounded by his family, just a few weeks shy of his 94th birthday.
John was a true and loyal friend and will be deeply missed in the community. John created many strong friendships in Chickahominy that he maintained over a lifetime. He passed down this kind of dedication to his children, as he did with his faith and work ethic. John grew up on Alexander Street, graduated from GHS and served in the US Army. He lived his entire adult life on Gerry Street, in a house he built and shared with his wife Grace Jane Wilson and his two sons, John Scott and Brian. John was a bricklayer and proud member of the International Bricklayers Union for over 50 years. Grace and John loved entertaining; they hosted regular dinner parties, competitive pinochle matches with his sister Mary and brother-in-law Frank Musca, and holiday gatherings at their home.
John volunteered with Meals on Wheels & Greenwich Hospital. He was a member of the Redmans Association, RMA, K of C, and was a devoted lifelong parishioner of St. Roch’s Church. He cared for his wife Grace through illness at the end of her life, with the support of his sons and their families. John was in a committed relationship with Dottie Bobick for the last ten years of his life. Throughout this time, Dottie, and her son Rob and his wife Kerry were a constant loving presence in John’s life.
John is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, his wife Grace, his son John Scott and many dear friends and loved ones.
In May 2023, his son Brian, wife Theresa, daughter-in-law Maryann, grandchildren and their families (Jason and Marissa, Jeffery, Robert and Morgan, Catherine and Andy), four great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins invite you to join in a celebration of his life in a funeral service at St Roch’s Church and reception to follow.
Donations may be made in his name to St. Roch’s Church in Greenwich. For details about the services this spring, please contact Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home.
