Dr. Frank F. Calzi, Ed.D

A beloved family man and dedicated and passionate educator, passed away peacefully on Thursday October 9, 2025 at the age of 93. Born on July 25, 1932, in Buffalo, New York, he was the cherished son of the late Frank and Angelina Calzi.

He was the first in his family to go to college receiving a full athletic scholarship for track and cross country to attend Syracuse University, earning a bachelor of arts degree. He went on to earn master’s degrees from Purdue University and SUNY Buffalo in Guidance and Student Personnel and Educational Administration, respectively, and earned his Doctorate of Education from SUNY Buffalo.

He progressed through his remarkable career starting at Oakfield-Alabama Central school district followed by a 14-year tenure at Maryvale Central School district going on to serve as Superintendent of schools at Starpoint Central School District in Pendleton New York, Binghamton City School District and Edgemont Union Free School District in Scarsdale New York. Frank capped off his career in higher education with an amazing 17-year tenure as an Associate Professor at Niagara University where he earned the Legacy of Service Award. Countless students at Niagara benefited from his decades of knowledge, wisdom, and experience. Frank was a co-author in 2014 of the insightful book “Living on the Horns of Dilemmas – Superintendents, Politics, and Decision-Making”.

All in all, Frank’s dedication and commitment to public and private education spanned over seven decades. He was respected by all for his work ethic and leadership skills but most importantly for always being available for colleagues, friends and family members that sought advice no matter the topic. His legacy lives on as numerous members of the Calzi family have gone on to have careers in education due in great part to his example. His advice to his children and grandchildren regarding financial and investing matters lovingly earned him the title of “Dr. Vanguard.” Beyond his professional life, he was passionate about his family and his Italian heritage. He worked hard at learning Italian and spent many hours in the kitchen both learning and cooking his favorite meals, all the while honoring his beloved Mother and Father who both had long careers in restaurants and food service. Frank documented and organized hundreds of amazing recipes for his family to enjoy for generations to come. You could also count on Frank to give speeches and sing loudly and passionately at birthdays and holidays as they were a good time to bello in his own unique way “Happy Birthday” or the “Twelve Days of Christmas.” He loved anything to do with running including cross country or track and field and especially loved the annual Thanksgiving YMCA Turkey Trot which he ran many times or when not running, cheering on the “Calzi Racing Team” at specific spots on Delaware Ave. He was especially proud of being a member of the 1954 Syracuse National Champion Cross Country team and qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon. Frank and his beloved wife Margaret were blessed to have traveled the world over during their time together visiting countries in just about every Continent. He also loved supporting Syracuse University sports teams as well as the New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills.

He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years Margaret (Eger) Calzi, his son Steven Calzi (Vanita), daughter Beth Ann Crick (John), son David Calzi (Jamie), six grandchildren Dr. Michael Calzi (Nicole), Richard Calzi, Jessica Calzi, Emily Berry (Edward), Jason Crick (Kiara) and Madelyn Haick (Timothy), seven great grandchildren, Marco and Izabella Calzi, Esther, Tripp and Ezra Berry, Sophia Haick and Camden Crick and his sister Christine Naylon, sister-in-law Angela Calzi and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Angelina Calzi, sister Ann Marie Mercurio and brother Richard Calzi.

A funeral mass in his memory will take place at St. Gregory the Great Church, 200 St. Gregory Ct., Buffalo NY, 14221 on Friday October 17, 2025 at 10:30 am. Interment will take place at Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery in Bowmansville, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Education Department at Niagara University - www.niagara.edu. Frank leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service and love, his presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. Please visit www.denglerrobertspernawilliamsville.com to view his online tribute or leave a condolence for the family. Arrangements under the direction of Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home in Williamsville, NY.