Roxanne I am so sorry for your loss.

I was getting ready to shoot Joe an email because I hadn't received any recent blasts from him.  Sadly, found out on the TWU website that he passed.

Joe's was fiercely proud of his Italian heritage (rightfully so) and I admired his passion for Railways and their history.

RIP my friend,
PJ Rice (ret. NYCT Eng.)

Dearest Roxanne, 
In remembrance of our dearest Joe, all of us cousins here in Mola made a donation to the Italian National Cancer Association (ANT) that offers support and assistance to terminal cancer patients. 
All together, we offer you our dearest and sincerest condolences.

Aunt Giovanna;
Aunt Nina's sons, Gino, Giuseppe, Gianni Ingravallo, and their wives;
Uncle Carlo's sons, Isabella, Giuseppe, Antonio, and their husband and wives;
Uncle Nicola's son Giuseppe and his wife;
Aunt Maria's sons, Sabino and Giuseppe, and their wives.

Having known Joe for a quarter of a century, we shared many stories and reminiscences both in person and during lengthy phone discussions. He was always interested in experiences and ideas, and always called with a greeting on the eve of holidays. 

But most of all, I recall his avid interest and occupation with photography, especially of rail topics. We often discussed details of locations, events, or history as he sought to give substance to the images he captured so well. In so doing he has left a legacy of both his interest in the subject and also of historical facts for future readers to read and appreciate. That legacy will endure beyond those of us who memorialize him today. 

So be at peace Joe, for you have done your share to assure that your recordings of times and places will be there for future observers.

This is a picture of the moments we shared here in Italy. Great moments spent together with aunt Maria and me in Alberobello. These are the things I'll cherish forever. 

Joe was a fantastic author, photographer and railroad enthusiast whom I respected greatly. My sincerest of condolences go out to his lovely wife Roxanne and his extended family. He was a good friend that will be missed by all of us.

Many years ago, a little child (you Joe) was laid on my newlywed parents’ bed.
The little children’s parents (aunt and uncle) said “your first child will be a boy”: and then, I was born, your cousin, a little boy born on the same day as you: the 8th of march, three years later.
I always kept this story my mother told me inside and, as I grew up, I now find myself thinking back on how we grew fond of each other in time and of all the things we shared and talked about, making this moment so much harder for me to accept.
Each time we have been together in the US, you always did everything you could to show me all the things that you liked.
When you came here, in Italy, you wanted me to take you to Apulia’s land, because you knew that here in this place were your family’s roots.
We shared the type of work and exchanged experiences that helped me grow professionally
As time went by, I married with Vera and had two children, Leonardo and Giovanni, that appreciated especially you for your passion for railway modelling and photography.
We were glad when you met Roxanne, a woman that we immediately appreciated for her kindness and her attachment to you from the first time that we met her.
I can’t forget about your commitment to photography and publishing, as you sent me weekly mails with your articles, photos and funny jokes and your passion in growing your vegetable garden that inherited from your father. 
All of this, Joe, I will dearly miss: talking on the phone about serious and trifle matters; receiving your emails; knowing that in you I had a person on which I could count on for any kind of advice. 
Even so, thinking back on all the time we shortly, but happly,  spent together this will make all my family glad,  bringing you forever deep within our hearts.
May you finally find your peace: your memory will be forever alive with us.
To you Roxanne, we offer our deepest condolences. We are close to you in this moment of grief and sorrow for the loss of our beloved Joe.

A loss for all of us, but particularly Roxanne.   My most sincere condolences to you.   Joe gave us all many photographs and many memories that we were all able to share.

Bill Wall

Dear Roxanne, someone who shared his life with you  will forever be a part of you..  Time will pass but sweet memories shall always remain...
Keeping you in our prayers as you remember your Joe, our cousin. 
With deepest sympathy..
Gino and Nica Ingravallo 
Gianni and Rosa Ingravallo 

Here our group poses with one of our Chinese guides.

Joe and I have been friends for about three decades. We have been to China three times chasing steam. Condolences to Roxanne.

We informed the world of our trip's progress.

Joe and I resting in our Chinese sleeping car in 2002.

Although we never met, I will miss his stories from watching Transit Transit Newsmagazine, one of my favorite television shows while growing up as a child.

Rest in peace.

I will miss you my friend.  You always had something interesting to share.  Thank you for leaving me so many beautiful memories... your beautiful wedding in the pouring rain, us playing soccer in New Rochelle, you practically farming in your back yard, your amazing model railroad, and most of all, your corny jokes that always brought a smile to my face.
You were a wonderful neighbor and great friend.  May you rest in peace.

Hi Joe,

You are  on another journey on the train you love so much as we will miss you.  You lived the life you love and you enjoyed life to the fullest.  We will miss you but you are in a better place.

Fiona R 

may your journey be fill love and blessing 


Joe and I go way back in the Transit Museum.  His love of trains and the history of our system showed in every photograph and story he has written.  I have given countless tours of my old power substations and powerhouses, and watching the smile on his face as he busied himself, taking photos and writing down details was gratifying. 
   There are too few individuals with the artistic eye to details of our history and I can safely say, Joe will be sorely missed.
Robert W. Lobenstein (Loby) Retired General Superintendent, NYCT Power Department

Goodbye old friend. I'll cherish all the times we spent talking about soccer,  your model trains and photography. Be at peace brother. 

Another angel takes flight.

My deepest, most sincere sympathy and condolences to each and every one of you!! Joe is in the Heavens and watching over all of you! 
We lost our precious Pam on Oct. 7, 2003, so I know what you are going through. There are no words that can ease the pain.

The worst thing that can happen to a parent is to lose a child. It feels like someone ripped your heart out. You go from the unbelievable to the unbearable.

I would just like to share a saying that was on the card my wife Diane picked out, and we bought for Pam:

If you were a star
That wasn’t expected back
In the universe
For a thousand years,
I’d wait.

If you were the sky
And everyone went inside
When you got sad
And started to rain,
I’d stay.

And if you were a peach
And the world decided to get rid of all peaches,
I’d pick you up,
Put you in my pocket…

AND KEEP YOU……..FOREVER.

I would also like to share, with you and your family, a poem that was put on Pam’s website:
God's Garden


God looked around His garden
And found an empty place
He then looked down upon the earth 
And saw your tired face

He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest
God's garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best


My deepest condolences to Calisi's family. 
I admired his knowledge and dedication for the subway and railroad system. You will be missed.

Gladis J.

OBITUARY

Joseph Michael Calisi

8 March, 1955 – 30 August, 2022

Frederick Funeral Home

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