Calvin John Danko

February 17, 2020

Calvin Danko, 96, died peacefully on February 17, 2020 at TrustBridge Hospice by the Sea in

Boca Raton, FL.

He is survived by his son, James Danko, Dingman’s Ferry, PA, Susan Danko Clews and son-in-law

Fred Clews, Hampton NH; his daughter-in-law, Tracy Lohmeier Danko, Woodridge, IL, five grandchildren and their spouses, one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews and their spouses and children across the country. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor and his son, Thomas Danko.

He was born September 9, 1923 in Newark, NJ to Andrew and Anna Danko. He graduated from Irvington High School. On May 10, 1947 he married the love of his life, Eleanor A. Mirda and enjoyed 71 years of marriage. They moved to Morristown, NJ in 1954 to raise their family and Arlington Heights, IL in 1974.

Cal was a decorated World War II Veteran; he served in the Air Force as a pilot from 1942 to 1945 He flew C 47’s and C 46 ‘s and was deployed overseas to England and France, assigned to the 9th Air Force 313 Troop Carrier Group. He died one month shy of the 75th anniversary of his big battle, Operation Varsity, which was the largest paratroop drop in history. He was awarded the Air Medal.

After the war, Cal worked for Western Electric Co. until his retirement in 1981. He helped design and create America’s infrastructure. He was a life-long member of the Telephone Pioneers Volunteer Network, one of the largest industry-related volunteer organizations in the world. He and Eleanor moved to Boca Raton and spent their time enjoying the beach, warm weather and traveling. Most memorable were the trips they took with each grandchild after their high school graduation.

A highlight of Cal’s life was the opportunity he received in 2013 to participate in the Space Coast Honor Flight program. This organization honors Veterans from World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam conflicts with an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. to visit the Memorials with fellow Vets. He remained active with the dedicated volunteers and veterans he met through the SCHF organization.

Cal was funny and spontaneous, a dear and kind man who took an interest in everyone, but wanted no attention on himself. He was always genuine; when you talked to him, he cared and always made you feel special. We are grateful for his abundant, long-lived and well-loved life.

Per Cal’s request, there will be no services at this time. Remember him in your own special way.

Memorial donations can be made to Space Coast Honor Flight, P.O. Box 560975, Rockledge, FL 32965 – www.spacecoasthonorflight.org