He was born in 1928 in Mazara Del Vallo, Sicily the sixth of eight children. His family had a farm where they grew grapes, wheat, and olives among other things. The whole family worked hard every day to bring their bounty to market. During World War II they struggled against oppression and hunger as did everyone in Italy at the time.
In 1957 he met his wife of 59 years Angelina and was married. In 1958 he immigrated to New York and in 1959 moved his family to San Diego, California. He went to work at Weber Bakery and worked there until his retirement in 1990. He also ran a small gardening business and worked two full time jobs during his working years.
On Sundays he always took the day off to be with family and friends. He loved socializing with friends, playing cards, going for drives, and visiting sites in and around San Diego. He loved hunting and was an avid hunter and gun collector. He also enjoyed growing, foraging and shopping for, and preparing food. He was intrigued by and collected currency and coinage from all nationalities and of various vintages.
A devoted father to Mae Calafato Robertson, Jack Calafato, and Joann Calafato Koon, grandfather to Nico Calafato, Aubree Calafato, Nicolas Koon, and Angela Koon, and great-grandfather to Chloe Gallegos. He was the rock and foundation of the family and will be forever in our hearts.
A visitation at Goodbody Mortuary will happen on Thursday, April 15th from 4:00 – 8:00 pm with a Rosary at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be at Holy Cross Cemetary Chapel on Friday, April 16 at 12:00 pm.
Arrangements under the direction of Goodbody Mortuary, San Diego, CA.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.goodbodymortuary.com for the Calafato family.
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