Mr. Raphael "Flash" Caloia

Raphael “Flash” Caloia, 89, of Hobe Sound, FL and Lakeland, passed away peacefully Saturday September 29th after a short illness. Raphael was born in Old Forge, PA and moved to Syracuse after his high school graduation. During WW II, he served in the Merchant Marines, where he learned to cook. In 1951, he opened Raphael’s Restaurant, which he expanded to a banquet house and operated for over 50 years. When he wasn’t working at the restaurant, Flash could be found at the bowling alley. He was a scratch bowler and became a local bowling celebrity. He won the Herald Masters Tournament in 1968 and 1969. Flash was “King of the Hill” on the WSYR Bowling program and in 1977 was inducted in the Syracuse Bowling Hall of Fame. Another favorite pastime was playing the organ. He practiced every day and entertained house guests. In warmer weather, Flash was an avid golfer with over 10 hole-in-ones to his credit. He spent the summers in Erieville at his camp on Tuscarora Lake. Raphael was predeceased by his parents, Libert "Buddy" and Edith (Scalzo) Caloia, and his brothers, Vito, Cookie and Tony Caloia.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Betty Jean Chapman, 5 daughters, Roxanne (Ronald) Balduzzi, of Syacuse, Sherry Caloia (Dr. Gerald Tomasso), of Glenwood Springs, CO, Candie (Allen) Deming, of Baltimore, MD, Penny (John) Mercer, of Syracuse and Jennifer Caloia (Chris Klein), of Morrisville, a son, Raphael II (Dorothy), of York, PA, his sister, Fay Borell, he was Papa to 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He also is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 9:15 am Wednesday October 3rd at BAGOZZI TWINS FUNERAL HOME, and 10 am at Our Lady of Peace Church, in Lakeland, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Private burial will be in Erieville Cemetery, Erieville. Calling hours are from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday October 2nd, at the funeral home, 2601 Milton Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Upstate Cancer Center, 750 E. Adams St., Syracuse, NY 13210.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bagozzitwins.com.