John Calella

In the early morning of July 19, 2015, John Calella passed away peacefully at the VA Lyons Hospital. He was 93 years old. He was known by his friends and family as a generous, loving man who really loved spending time and bonding with his family. His greatest joys were watching his 6 great grandchildren grow up over the years. He also donated much of his time working and helping Veterans as well as volunteering at the Center for the Blind.

John Calella was born on April 6, 1922 in Buccino, Italy a Province of Salerno. He was the middle child of Dominick & Maria Calella. He spent the early years of his life living in Italy and at the age of 18, joined the US armed forces during World War II. John fought for the United States in the 29th Infantry Division under General Patton. He was injured during battle twice and received 2 purple hearts and a silver star for his tremendous demonstration of bravery. John was diagnosed with macular degeneration and as a result was legally blind but that never stopped him.

John was married to his first wife Stella Gallo on June 15, 1946. Together they had a daughter Sandra Marie. He and Stella lived in New Jersey in the towns of Newark, Edison and finally settled in Toms River. John was by Stella's side after a long battle with cancer. John remarried Eleanor Wright in 1990 and most recently they lived in Ocala, Florida.

John is survived by his daughter Sandra Papi, his younger sister Viola Piegari, his grand-daughters Rebecca Pitcher & Christina Bloch and his 2 son-in-laws, Benjamin Pitcher & Justin Bloch. He has 6 great grandchildren; Cole Pitcher (age 9), Ethan Bloch (age 9), Brody Bloch (age 7), Stella Pitcher (age 3), Tomasina Pitcher (age 3) & Juliana Pitcher (age 3).

Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Memorial Visitation, Monday, July 27, 2015 from 11am to 1pm at Michael Hegarty Funeral Home in Old Bridge, NJ followed by a 1pm Celebration of Life Service. A Military Honor committal service will follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to John's favorite charities in his honor; The Wounded Warrior Project and/or The Center for the Blind in Ocala, Florida.