John J. Calabrese

John Joseph Calabrese, 86, a life-long resident of Annapolis, died March l7 at his home. John was born January 22, 1929 to the late Andrea and Angelina Calabrese. He attended Annapolis High School and was a member of the class of l947. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from l948 to l956. He began his apprenticeship in barbering at the age of ten and earned his master barber's license at age l8, becoming the youngest barber in the state of Maryland at that time. After working with his father, John opened and operated his shop, Johnny's Barber Shop, until his retirement in 1991. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was a dedicated volunteer at the church. He was an usher for over sixty years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Holy Trinity Council 3413, a 4th degree member of the Admiral Benson Assembly 381, and a member of the Elks Club Lodge 622. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus Annapolis Council 1384. John collected elephants and postcards and enjoyed ceramics, ice cream, morning coffee groups, and walking at the mall. He was well-known for helping others, his story telling and great sense of humor. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. John was preceded in death by his son, Andrew, his brother, Angelo, and his brother-in-law, Raymond Lee Sears. He is survived by his loving wife of over 62 years, Jacqueline Ramey Calabrese; son, Joseph (Mary); daughter, Cecilia Bast (Jeffrey); daughter-in-law, Judy; brother Frank Calabrese (Vickie); sister Rosaria Sears; sister-in-law Anna Calabrese; five grandchildren, Ann Marie Foreman (Tim); Jeffrey Bast, Jr.; Andrew Calabrese (Genna); John and Richard Calabrese and three great grandchildren, Maci and Melani Calabrese and Alice Foreman. Visitation is 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 27th, at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home, Inc., 147 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 28th, at 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis with interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Elementary School, 111 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD 21401. Please designate Early Learning Center.