John L. Calendrille

John L. Calendrille, age 94, of Bethpage, NY passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Angela M. Calendrille. John is survived by his devoted children, Maryann Calendrille (Kathryn Szoka); and John Calendrille Jr. (Kristen); his cherished grandchildren, Grant, Courtney, and Lauren Calendrille; and his loving sister, Lucille Chadwick. He is also remembered fondly by his sister-in-law, Santina Calendrillo, and many nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, (1930) one of four children of Louis Calendrillo and Agnes DeMay, John was predeceased by brother Anthony, and sister Madeline who died in early childhood. He graduated from Haaren High School in midtown Manhattan where the city became his university. A skilled draftsman and writer, John worked in technical publications writing and illustrating manuals, and contracts at Grumman Aerospace Corporation.

Family was most important to John. “I did what needed to be done,” he said of his service to others. When his mother-in-law Catarina was suddenly widowed after her husband Domenico died, John welcomed her into the family home. John took under his wing various nephews and nieces when they lost their own fathers. A local history buff, he loved going for Sunday drives all over Long Island, arranging educational outings for all the kids. John regularly visited his own father, Louis who lived to be 101. He was deeply devoted to his beautiful wife Angela and to her care during the many long years she lived with the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis. His three grandchildren, Grant, Courtney and Lauren Calendrille brought him great joy and satisfaction as he followed their accomplishments through school, sports and dance performances.

He enjoyed woodworking and built by hand the furniture, desks ,bookshelves and night tables,  for his children's bedrooms. He built many model airplanes and boats; a detailed model of the Parthenon, and more creative projects that came naturally to him.

“We grew up listening to WNEW’s Make Believe Ballroom,” remembered daughter Maryann. “Dad would sweep up my mother in his arms and dance a few turns through the living room.” They enjoyed going to Broadway shows in Manhattan, and together with his wife’s three sisters, Lillian, Enes and Fran and Uncle Tracy, trying whatever new restaurant received good reviews, especially if there was a discount coupon in Newsday.

The holiday table with many family members crammed around the table for an hours long meal would be the highlight of his year.

John loved music from opera to swing to popular ballads. “It brings out the love inside you,” he said recently after listening to Io Mio Caro Bambino via his IPad.

The family is extremely grateful to the entire staff at Brookhaven Health Care Facility in East Patchogue for their sensitive, thoughtful and attentive care of John through many months of rehabilitation and finally, through long-term care. Health care workers there on many levels are doing God’s work.

A Visitation will take place at Arthur F. White Funeral Home in Bethpage, NY, on Wednesday, June 25, from 3 to 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Martin of Tours R.C. Church on Thursday, June 26 at 10 am, followed by interment at St. Charles Cemetery.

Memorial donations have been suggested to: National Multiple Sclerosis Society.