So crushed to hear of Mr. Calandra’s passing,. He was always cheerful and encouraging. I loved his teaching! He actually took the time to tell me I had some talent for French, and I ended up becoming an Italian teacher (for past 50 years)! 
So happy to have been at our most recent  high school reunion of the Class of ‘64 which Mr. Calandra also attended. I was thrilled that he folded up and put in his jacket pocket an article about my teaching that one of my classmates was kind enough to bring and pass around.
I remember how he brought groups Christmas caroling out in front of my parents’ house. Such a joyous human being! What a gift he was!!!
What a gift he was!

We were friends from School 6.  I appreciated Mike picking me up to go to DiTondo's to meet with our other friends from School 6.  I am so sorry that he passed.  He was a significant friend.
Joe Guercio

My sincere condolences to the Calandra family.  I thoroughly enjoyed my French classes with "Mr. Calandra", Monsieur Calandra, at Williamsville South High School!  He was a wonderful teacher who mixed vocabulary & grammar lessons with interesting stories about France.  I'm glad he had a long life with many happy moments.  "Merci beaucoup, Michel."  I still remember a lot of French -- and have read, spoken & written a bit of it, over the years, e.g., when visiting Montréal, Québec.  "Mon vieux", "My old friend".  Rest In Peace, and Thank You for being such a fine teacher and positive influence.

I have fond memories of Mr. Calandra when in HS.  He was always so kind and understanding.   My condolences.

Debby (Wells) Goergen

Our thoughts and prayers are with Camilla and Mike’s family.  He absolutely loved staying in our condo in Deerfield Beach.  We so enjoyed our phone conversations and the wisdom he would impart, he always made us laugh.  Rest in Peace Dear Mike.
Don & Linda Cielewich

Throughout life we have many teachers, but few make an indelible mark. For me, Mr. Calandra is that teacher. Though small in stature, he was a giant among teachers. I was in his French class but the lessons he taught go way beyond  the language. He taught life lessons, morals, kindness and respect. He had a certain joie de vie that drew you in, and you couldn’t help but hang on his every word. Mr. Calandra truly cared about each and every student and it showed. 
I was lucky to run into him in 2019 and can honestly say that his joie de vie did not fade one bit. As usual, he was at the ready with a smile and a story.
My sincere condolences to the Calandra family and to the many people whose lives are better for having known him. 

To the Calandra family, I am so very sorry for your loss.  Mike was my French teacher at Williamsville HS ( class of 1971).  Very few teachers and professors leave a true, lasting impact on their students but Mike was one of those amazing few.  It wasn’t about learning French as much as it was about teaching us about life, and its many lessons.  He made me a smarter, more worldly and optimistic human.  His impact (and his jokes!) have lasted throughout my life.   You should be proud of how many students he impacted.  May his memory be a blessing.   Wendy Kloner, Chevy Chase Maryland.   

So many wonderful memories of Coach Calandra.  As a soccer coach, teacher and family friend.  He will be missed very much.  My heartfelt condolences to all his family.  With deep feelings and love!

David McKeever

My sincere prayers and condolences to the entire Calandra Family.  May the loving memories you have shared bring you great comfort at this difficult time. 

My sincere condolences to the whole Calandra Family.  It was a blessing to have Mr. Calandra for French and as a soccer coach.  He was an inspiring educator and mentor.  He will be greatly missed.  The pictures are a testamony to the love he shared with so many. 


I am so sorry for your family’s loss.  Coach Calandra was the most sincere and greatest teacher, coach, and life mentor that I ever had. He exuded his love and concern for others and never hesitated to greet friends (and their family members) with a great hug and a kind word.  He always made time for those in need and everyone who knew Coach loved him. He inspired me and others to strive to have an impact for good. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

Monsieur Calandra was a giant.  He was a superb French teacher, but also kindly served as a surrogate father figure for me when I needed one.  His kindness and interest in me was unfailing and it was in part due to his example that I went into education myself.  I send my heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.  The world is a less wonderful place now that M. Calandra has left it, but his legacy of warmth, wit and love will endure forever.  

My sincere condolences go out to the Calandra family.  Mr. Calandra was my French teacher throughout high school at Williamsville South (Class of 1987).  While most of my high school classes are a faint memory, my time in Mr. Calandra’s class stands out more than any other.  As many others have noted, much of what he taught transcended French.  Life lessons, learning what to value in life, love and kindness were the main takeaways, in my view.  Mr. Calandra was always such a wonderful example for students to follow and treated everyone with dignity and respect at all times.  This resonated with students in a powerful way.

You all know how much your father was loved and admired.  Please add my name to the list.  It was a gift to know him.

Bill Bauer

Mr. Calandra was my French teacher at Williamsville Senior High School.  Class of ‘64.  Not only was he a wonderful, caring teacher, but, for many years later, he came to all of our class reunions!  He was so loved by my classmates and me.  At our last reunion, he whispered something in my ear that amazed me.  He had noticed something so personal about me (positive) that I was stunned and felt such a closeness to him.  He had not only been my teacher, but, he had cared about me.  I know all of his students knew he cared about them.  He was an incredible teacher, mentor, friend, and inspirational leader.  He sure knew how to have fun!  I believe he knew the secret of life, giving and sharing and loving.  May God be blessing him now and always.  With much love, Susan Carney Van Hooser

“Mr. Calandra” was the most memorable teacher from my high school years.  No one has left such a stronger impression from those developmental times. Some of his morals still come out in my daily life. We truly have lost a gem.   

Mr. Calandra was a master teacher at Williamsville South High School who made each French class exciting, turning his students into Francophiles as he shared his love of the French language and culture. He was my favorite high school teacher and was an important influence in my decision to enter the field of education. My deepest sympathy to his family. May he now rest in peace in heaven.         
    Donna Koch Winnick

I remember Mike not only as a fine teacher, but more importantly, as a great man, a superlative family man and friend to those who were privileged to know him as such, which he was to me. I, along with Tim McDonald and Chris Schulz, who have both previously commented, were in his AP class, Fall of 1966 - Spring of 1969. The lessons of French were secondary to the lessons of life experiences he instilled in us. I don't recall what French work or subject matter we were studying at the time, but Mike related how Eric Hoffer, noted American philosopher and moralist's, story/episode of, "Now you owe someone else a hatful of beans" applied not only to the instant matter we were discussing, but to life in general. I have never forgotten that simple, basic principle. Mike was a living personification of that tenet.  He was a great and caring friend and advisor to me through the decades that followed graduation.
I do not have to say Rest in Peace, Mike, because I know you are now with your beloved soulmate Nancy for eternity.  Lou Fessard


I don't remember a lot about my high school teachers, but I do remember how positive and helpful he was. I can still understand a little French when I hear or read it and that's from his classes.

1997, celebrating my big day with two of my favorite teachers and mentors.  Memories of dancing with Mr. Calandra are a priceless gift I will treasure forever.  

Our French class from ~1993.  Like so many before us, we were beyond blessed to have Mr. Calandra for three years.  We were also incredibly honored to have him graduate with us as well.  Three incredible years of French (bien sûr), but also of love, laughter, and life lessons.  No teacher has had a greater impact on my life.  Like many others, I pursued a career in education.  In my final interview with my district, the superintendent asked about a teacher who had inspired me…though at 21 I was pretty anxious over this interview, being able to talk about Mr. Calandra?  It instantly put me at ease and had me speaking from the heart.  I understood what a gift Mr. Calandra had been to so many, and I hoped to carry on that torch.  Though my students are much younger, we still learn a little French…and I do my best to ensure everyone feels seen, heard, valued and loved.  Merci Mr. C.     -Julia

He was so special. He was my AP French teacher for 1976-1977. We loved how we were able to get him off on tangents to share so many real life stories of France and Italy.  It was because of him that I decided to major in Math when I went to college.  He said do what you love.  I majored in Math, but did not become a teacher until later in life in 1996.  Best decision ever! I love you, Mr. Calandra - you most definitely impacted my life in a positive way! 

As a Spanish student at Williamsville South, I never had the pleasure of being in Mr. Calandra’s class, but he knew everyone, knew me and stood out as a fantastic teacher and positive role model.  Over the years I would run into him around town and he’d always take the time to ask about my life and share pieces of his.  Such a wonderful wonderful person, prayers to his family and the legions of Billies over the years who loved him.   

I'm very sorry to hear about Mike's passing.
He's one of the most supportive & kindest people I've had the pleasure of knowing.
Early 70's Track - Coach Calandra taught me how to triple jump and stayed with me until I finally hit the pit - even though it was after dark.

My heartfelt condolences to the entire Calandra family

Monsieur Calandra, un professeur tout à fait extraordinaire, was a great inspiration to me both personally and professionally. 

 His passionate teaching style, which combined teaching French with invaluable life lessons, ignited a spark in me that led to a lifelong love of the French language and culture.

I will always be so grateful to Monsieur Calandra for believing in me and encouraging me to follow my dreams, which led me to become a French teacher.  In doing so, I was proud to have passed Monsieur Calandra's teachings on to the next generation.

Merci beaucoup pour tout, Monsieur! ❤️











Dear Calandra family-
Your dad was a wonderful man who created wonderful children. May he now join your mom and his  brother and parents and rest in Peace 
You are in my thoughts and prayers in the days and months ahead.  Sincerely, Eileen Ulrich 

He was the most influential teacher in my lifetime. He was passionate; about teaching, not just the French language but , even more, about how to live a life filled with meaning, intent and kindness, Rest in Peace Mr Calandra, you taught me so much...and I loved you so much. Chris (Schulz) Connor

Mr Calandra was my high school French teacher. My husband, Dan (WSHS 1969) and I (WSHS 1970) remember him with fondness and great respect. We saw him several times over the years and he was always such a wonderful man. I shared the news of his death on our WSHS Class of 1970 Facebook page. My classmates also remember him fondly. 
Some of the comments are:
“I don’t remember many teachers…but I do remember him”
“One of the good guys”
“One of the best”
“Even if you didn’t have him as a teacher, he still knew you and would always say hi. What a personable man”
“Teachers like that are a real gift”
“Mr Calandra took us to Montreal on a field trip. He was remarkable “
RIP Mr Calandra
His memory is a blessing to all who knew and loved him. 

He was a wonderful smiling man .A great French teacher to our children at Williamsville South.
We will always remember his happy smiling face.
Parents of Ellen, Susan, Jeffrey and Helene.
Ina&Herb Scheer

An absolutely wonderful man. Always remembered...

On behalf of the Deinhart family I want to pass along our condolences to the Calandra family on the passing of our great friend and mentor Mr. Calandra. As a coach (to Mark and Gregg) and teacher to (Diane, Mark, and Gregg) he was the brightest of lights in our high school experience. We are praying for the Calandra family during this time of grief. 

It was with great sadness that I learned of Mr. Calandra's passing.  I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to his family.  Mr. Calandra was my high school french teacher and although the lessons learned have faded from so many years ago, the life lessons, the compassion, the devotion to students became a permanent part of who I've become.  He knew exactly how to talk to us, shared his life experiences & had a genuine interest in our well being and development.  Mr. Calandra was our teacher, mentor and role model.  We often were captivated by stories of his life and history.  Everyone has a story to share and his inspired us like no other.  Mr. Calandra was truly a great man.  I am so disappointed with myself that I never shared these thoughts with him in person.  Rest in peace, favorite teacher, rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to the Calandra Family.  Mr. Calandra was much more than a French Teacher.  We learned so many valuable life lessons from him during "tangents"...where we "thought" we were getting him to talk about anything but French.  I still remember many of those tangent conversations and those lessons have remained with me for decades.  He will be greatly missed and always cherished.  
 Wishing all of you peace and strength in the days ahead. 

 Merci beaucoup Monsieur et repose en paix. ❤

Michael Calandra was my French teacher for three years (1966-1969) at Williamsville South.  However, he was much more than that.  He was truly beloved by all of his students for his humanity, his passion for teaching, his wisdom, and his irrepressible joie-de-vivre.  He was a great teacher, who taught us more than just a foreign language --- he challenged us to think, to aspire to a better understanding of the ‘great ideas’ that permeate the classics of French literature.  Without question, he touched so many of our lives, and we are all the better for having known him, and for having had him as our teacher and our dear friend.  Many of us kept in touch with him over the years, and he was always so happy to hear from us and welcome us into his home.  Only over the years did I come to realize how much all of us (his former students) meant to him.  In his great heart, he cherished all of us and held us in his memories.  There are but few people who come into this world and touch other people in a way that lasts a lifetime.  He was truly one of them.  As long as I live, I will always remember him and hold his memory close to my heart.

One of the finest men I have ever known. The epitome of grace and class.

Monsieur C. at my wedding,  August, 2001. This is right after he told me to just “soak it up.” That is how he lived life, soaking up all the good things and seeing beauty all around. Rest in peace, Monsieur. 


It’s not every day you have a high school teacher that influences you so much you ask them to walk you down the aisle for Homecoming Court, invite him to your wedding, and write your personal essay about for college admissions. “With a smile that could melt a snowman” was how my essay started as I talked about how profound his influence was on my life. To put it simply, Monsieur Calandra was what my grandfather would call “a good egg.” He loved well and everyone who knew him loved him.  He helped me through a tough time as my high school boyfriend went through brain surgery. He celebrated with me at my wedding and I remember asking him how I could hold onto that moment forever, with all those I loved in one place. I remember him looking at me with those kind eyes and telling me in his French accent, “just soak it up. Soak it up.” I remember how he so deeply loved his wife, Nancy, through her battle with MS. You could see the fierce love he had for her, and that was such an inspiration. He taught us all “Le Petit Prince,” but I mostly remember him talking about the “Wow” stage of love. He helped us all understand life and love at the same time as we learned French. He cared about us as individuals and inspired us to become our best selves. I am so grateful to you, Monsieur. 

Heaven has gained another angel, and I earnestly pray he can look down on us and soak up that amazing love so many down here feel for him. 
Rest in peace, Monsieur. May you experience that “Wow” stage as you are reunited in heaven with Nancy again.

My deepest condolences to the Calandra family and friends. Mr. Calandra was my French teacher at Williamsville South from 1989 to 1993. He was hands down the most influential, interesting, and inspiring teacher. We looked forward to his stories, life lessons, and  French lessons- it was not only a classroom, but a space where we could truly be ourselves. We learnt from him to value ourselves and “to always consider the source”- important lessons for young, impressionable minds. From Le Petit Prince (which I am now reading to my own daughter) to the love of French movies/shows, I owe Mr. Calandra quite a bit. It was an honor and a privilege to be his student. I will always be grateful for his generosity, love, inclusiveness, sense of humor, and to learn from his devotion to his wife/family.



Mr. Calandra was one of the most decent men I have had the honor of meeting in my lifetime.  Aside from being a fabulous teacher, he was an incredibly kind man that truly cared about his students and his family.  On more than one occasion he pulled me aside to check on my well being for which i have always been grateful.  A legend as a coach, teacher, husband, father - for what more could someone want to be remembered?  The world is a better place because of the imprint he left on so many.  My sincerest sympathies.

Monsieur with his Junior French class. 1993, very shortly before his retirement. 

Monsieur Calabdra and student, Danielle Emhof,  on Halloween 1993

Sal, very sorry to hear about your father!  My sincere condolences to you and your family.  I'm sure he was proud of the good man and gentleman that you became!!



Sal,
Your father was the perfect teacher/coach. I always looked forward to seeing and talking to him awaiting his next life story, lesson or to catch up on your wonderful family.  He will be missed but I don’t know of anyone who produced more memories. 

The Eusanio family 

Our beloved coach, mentor, and dear friend.

I read here that Williamsville South students before my time called him "Le Beau." What a fitting nickname. We students in the 90s simply called him "Monsieur" (without the Calandra.)  Monsieur taught us so much more than French. He taught us about love and commitment through his relationship with his family. I remember when we were in school he was taking voice lessons in order to share his love for and with his wife musically. Through his words and his deeds he  also taught us about integrity and hope and kindness and humor and so much more. He had a profound impact on the students of Williamsville South.

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your dad (uncle, grandfather). May you be comforted by loving memories of happy times with Monsieur. He certainly blessed so many of us with wonderful memories.

Dear Sal and to all of M. Calandra’s family:

Simply put, your dad was one of the most significant teachers I’ve ever had. He gave me the gift of French which I still use and the gift of French 60s and 70s pop music which I still listen to. Yes, Enrico Macias and Dalida! I learned Spanish later in life and it was my French from Wmsvl South that made it so easy. I have a lovely memory of speaking both French and Spanish with your dad at one of our reunions. I like to think it made him happy to know some of his lessons stuck. 

I hope you and yours find some peace knowing how he is still remembered and loved by so many of his students. 

Avec amour,
Steven (Etienne) Ralston

Monsieur Callandra will be missed by the many students and their parents who loved him.  He was a wonderful man and fantastic teacher!
Diane & Denny Lynch

A coach, many of us can be or try, but Mr. Calandra was the best coach ever in my opinion.   I don't mean sports only, despite his love and results for the Billies, but as a life coach whose smile, wisdom, love for humanity, and laughter was infectious and filled the room wherever he went.  I would also suggest that he was the most popular teacher of all time at Williamsville South. 
I shall deeply miss my dear friend and mentor, but am encouraged to know he is with his beloved wife Nancy again, in Heaven, and that I can continue to enjoy the beautiful Calandra spirit in his children.

To Sal and all the Calandra family,
I’m sorry for your loss. Your Dad touched and inspired so many of us at Willie South and beyond. 


Dear JoAnn, Sal and the entire Calandra Family, 

My deepest condolences to for your loss of Mike. He was a lovely gentleman. You are such a wonderful and loving family. It was beautiful to witness your love and devotion to Mike at the end of his life. It was truly my honor to cook for Mike, and for you all, at Hospice. 

Love to all, 

Sue Wisby Moulden ❤️ 

Coach Calandra had such a positive impact on so many over many many years.  It was great to be a member of two championship Williamsville High School soccer teams of his and to be in numerous years of French class that he taught.  Deepest condolences to the whole family and to all he touched.

Coach Calandra (and French Teacher) was an amazingly positive influence on so many people for a very long time.  Such great memories to be part of two Championship High School teams of his!!

Coach Calandra (and French Teacher) was an amazingly positive influence on so many people for a very long time.  Such great memories!

Dear Sal and family,

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

 Your Dad was such a positive influence on all South students.  We were lucky to have the privilege of knowing him in a more personal way due to our friendship with Sal.

Your Dad was a wonderful person and we are all better people due to his influence on us!  He is missed.

Jim Dombrowski and family

Dear Sal & Family, 
Please accept our condolences & sympathies on the passing of Mr. C. -- he had such a lasting positive impact on all that knew him; truly a great man.
Sincerely,
Steve Mooradian & Family  

Mr. Calandra (or Le Beau, as our Class of '72 Track Team christened him) was a wonderful and beloved educator, mentor, track coach and friend.   He definitely made a difference in my life in ways large and small.   Le Beau will be greatly missed but fondly remembered.   We always tried to see him whenever our Williamsville South Class of '72 got together.   We were fortunate to have been able to spend some time with him this past summer at our 50th Class Reunion.....Our condolences to the Calandra Family.

Pamela & Stewart Finton

My sincere condolences go out to the Calandra family.  Mr. Calandra was my French teacher at Williamsville South.  He was not only a great teacher but also a wonderful human being.  RIP Mr. Calandra.

Michael Calandra was one of my first friends at Williamsville South when I came in 1972. He was always cheerful, supportive, helpful, and warm. Le Beau, as the students nicknamed him, was one of the most popular and beloved teachers at South. He served as a model for integrity and family values.
My heart goes out to his family. He will always be cherished in my memory.

Dear Calandra family. My deepest condolences for you. My family and I have too many memories of your father to list here.  Coach Calandra made an impact on every one of my family members.  From my parents , to my siblings to myself your dad was an incredible influence.   He will be remembered as a beautiful , loving man who along with your mother raised an incredible family. 
Our love and thoughts are will you 
Michael Massaro 

OBITUARY

Mr. Michael "LeBeau" “Frenchie” “Monsieur” Calandra

21 November, 1933 – 29 January, 2023

Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home

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