I worked with Frank  when he was a supervisor in charge of construction flagging from 73- 80s  he was always fair  and decent and treated his fellow employees with respect. I'm deeply sorry for your loss.
Bill Zerillo
NYC Transit
1970-1990

I knew Frank as a Lodge Brother of the Sons of Italy.  He had a quick smile.

On night after a meeting while were were having coffee I got talking to Frank and the subject of the NYC subways came up.  I had gone to High School in the Bronx but lived in Manhattan which meant I had to take the subway to school.  Riding so much meant you learned a lot about the trains, especially looking out the front car.  I still had many questions some 50 years later.  Frank patiently answered every question, explaining as he went, like only someone who had been there would know. 

At the end of our coffee Frank said that he had something he wanted to show me and he would bring it next meeting.  I had almost forgotten but he arrived with a box and kept it to himself until the meeting was over and coffee was put out.  Then he came over to the table I was at, sat next to me and opened the box.  In it was a track workman's lantern like so many I'd seen out the front door window of many trains.   

I looked at it, we talked about the different colors and what they meant and when each was used.  As we finished we put it back in the box.  As I gave it back he said " no no it's for you"  I want you to have it.  You gave me great pleasure reliving my subway time. 

I couldn't be there when Frank's service was held as Eileen and I were traveling and the news didn't catch up.  Yes I still have the lantern, tucked away safely with my High School things, part of me that rode the subway.  Thank you Frank.

My Uncle Frank was not only an incredibly wonderful husband and family man, but also a master carpenter.  I remember as a young teen (many moons ago), visiting my Aunt Angie, Uncle Frank, and my cousins at their home on Ditmas Avenue in Brooklyn.  My Uncle Frank was always busy with some sort of woodworking project.  He took me and my family around the house to show us his accomplishments.  He was a precision carpenter, and each project displayed his creativity and fine workmanship.  We would marvel at his talent!  I will always remember Uncle Frank for his modesty, kindness, and the twinkle in his eye.   More recently, he shared his memoir with me, which I shall forever treasure.  Simply put, Frank Calfa, Sr. was a wonderful man, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.  

I first started to love Frank  Sr.  when his son told stories about his childhood . So I was prepared  when I met him to  immediately fall in love and did just that.  He was a man forged of his time. A man who served our country and adored his family even if he was a little on the ornery side.    I loved his stories.  Most people meeting him may have found him a little gruff, but,  if you payed close attention you could see the sparkle in his soul when it came to his family.    Sometimes when he spoke it was in a manner that was of his time and maybe not as proper as what some would like.  Sometimes even cringe worthy to his son.     He once told me a story before he was headed to the airport.  While telling the story he missed hearing Frank Jr ask about his boarding pass.  Frank Jr was frantically looking for it.  Frank Jr ran up to the hotel room and back to no avail.  When Frank Jr returned and told Frank Sr he couldn't find his boarding pass to which his dad replied, pulling it out of his chest pocket, what this here.........it was difficult not to laugh at Frank Jr's frustration.  Frank Sr just waved his hand in that true Italian style fu-get-about it!   Men are not made like him anymore.  Men who stood strong in the face of adversity without showing how terrified they were.  Defending our country and raising their families.  One of my fondest memories was watching him play  Brisk with Sue's dad and his great niece..   I was able to witness  the family that he built and built well.   Each of them checking on the well being of each other.  What a testament to a life well lived.   
I suppose I can sum it up with a quote from the book The Measure of a man,       " The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.  If you want to see the true measure of a man, watch how he treats his inferiors, not his equals."   Rest in peace my dear sweet Mr C
Your Reno Girlfriend

OBITUARY

Frank S. Calfa Sr.

July 24, 1925 – April 25, 2019

Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home

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