Phillip Francis Calderone passed away peacefully August 1 surrounded by loved ones. Phil was born March 27, 1945, to the late Anthony and Jennie (Giovengo) Calderone in Pittsburgh, PA, descendants of Sicily and the minore of 12 brothers and sisters, whom he cherished.
Phil was a graduate of Ambridge High School in 1963 and worked in his family grocery store before proudly serving his country in the United States Army. Phil served in the Bco 1st BN 5th INF during the Vietnam war. He rarely spoke of the war and silently carried his selfless service as well as those of his comrades close to his heart but always proud of the land he fought to protect.
Upon returning from the war, he resumed working in the family grocery store, and shortly after a pretty little blonde named Linda Nuzum walked into the store. It was love at first sight and he knew he wanted to make her his forever bride.
Phil was a hard-working man who was eager to share his love for preparing meals and opened two Belly Buster’s hoagie shops, with his grandson, Devin as the face of the business. Phil’s love of his craft led him to become a culinary arts teacher at Parkway Vocational Technical school where the students affectionately referred to him as Mr. C. Phil loved teaching and he shared life lessons and knowledge and provided guidance to many. If you met Phil, you instantly had a friend, he was kind-hearted, he made you feel important, he had an amazing sense of humor and was quick to tease those he loved.
Phil and Linda retired in Port Charlotte Florida. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 all awhile caring for the love of his life whom he lost April 6, 2015, after almost 50 years of marriage. Phil continued his fight through the multitude of cancer diagnosis and treatments but was given the news we knew would come one day, there was no more to be done; but he had more, he gave us more time, he gave us more humor, he gave us love and he gave us kisses until he couldn’t do it anymore. Phil left this world better than it was when he arrived. He left us all heartbroken, but we are grateful to have the privilege of having him in our lives. Phil is now an angel and we know, he will greet us when we get to heaven with a big bowl of pasta and homemade sauce. He’ll be holding Linda’s hand, waiting to show us around and we will have the privilege of them leading the way, through our eternal life.
Phil is survived by brother’s Salvatore and Bartelo Calderone, sister’s Laura Calderone, Josephine Schanna, Jenny Lee, Francis Calderone, Patty Berger, and Christine (Jack) Losco. Sister-in-law, Barbara Thomas, Brother-in-laws Brad Nuzum, Eddie (Diane), and Donald Nuzum.
Phil is preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Jenny Calderone and mother and father-in-law, Edward and Ruth Nuzum, brothers Anthony, Johnny, Carl, and Joe Calderone, Brother-in-law’s Robert and Sterling Nuzum and sister-in-law Susan Cook. Phil is survived by his sons Carl (Linda) Calderone, Dean (Jennifer) Calderone and grandchildren, Devin, Dean Jr., and Shane Calderone, Amber (Justin) Ramirez, Joshua, and Corbin Leeson and great-grandchildren, Julianna and Jaxton Ramirez and many nieces and nephews who he adored.
We want to extend a special thank you for the care that his brother Bartelo and sister, Christy, provided to our father.
Phil’s wishes are to be cremated. A memorial service and burial with Military honors will be scheduled at the Nuzum family cemetery, in Parkersburg WV, at a later date.
Those wishing to honor Phil, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
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