John Joseph Calimano

John Calimano, 74, of Jackson, New Jersey passed away on June 17, 2019 after a long and courageous battle with cancer that began in 1996. “Cal”, as his friends and family knew him, was born on November 29, 1944 in Jersey City and was adopted by his beloved mother, Maria Nicole “Marge” Mastromonica, and his father Gus Calimano, who raised their son in Bayonne. He was also especially close to his beloved aunt, Mary Mastromonica.

Cal was a member of the Rutgers University Class of 1996, and is a member of the Old Guard. He was an avid supporter of the institution, and a season ticket holder to the football games. He took great joy in attending the games with family and friends, cheering on his team.

Cal began the career that would change the lives of so many, when he took a teaching position at Churchill Junior High School in East Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1966. A year later he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for four years rising to the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. He spent time in Vietnam before serving in Spain.

Returning to the East Brunswick school, Cal remained at Churchill for several years before transferring to the high school. His love of history and of teaching transformed his classroom into an exciting learning community. Cal is best known for teaching the Institute for Political and Legal Education or I.P.L.E., a course in which students develop skills in public speaking, debate, research and collaboration. Cal led his students to win many top awards in programs such as Model UN, Model Congress, Mock Trial, The Bicentennial of the Constitution and We the People Competitions. He was a mentor, role model and friend to hundreds of students throughout his career and continued to do so, even after his retirement from teaching in January 2000. On May 4, 2019, the East Brunswick Board of Education, at the request of his students, dedicated the I.P.L.E. room in his honor. John Calimano will live on in the hearts and minds of all those students he as touched in his lifetime.

John Calimano is survived by Dan Pekarchik, his spouse; their marriage on August 15, 2016 was only one of the milestones in their 44 years together. He is also survived by his cousin Joan Duchemin and her husband, Eddie; and cousin Carol Couch, along with both their families.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any St. Anthony’s Parish for St. Anthony Bread to Feed the Poor, or make a donation to your local food pantry or soup kitchen, also consider participation in one hour of community service.

A memorial visitation will be held from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, 2019 at the D'Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Avenue, Lakewood, N.J. The Navy will conduct military honors at 6:00 p.m. during the visitation. A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 24, 2019 at St. Mary of the Lake R.C. Church, 43 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, N.J.