Jim Mario Calabrese

James “Jim” Mario Calabrese, 78, died Monday, February 8, 2021 surrounded by family. Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on February 13, 2021 at 9:00 am at Sunset Funeral Home, Machesney Park, Illinois, with Funeral Service at 10:00 am. Memorials may be made to Disabled Veterans or the Wounded Warrior Project, two organizations close to his heart.

Jim was born in August 1942 in Brooklyn, New York to Italian immigrants, Joseph & Mamie (Ladico) Calabrese. When Jim was three years old, his father passed away. Mamie “Mae” married Joseph Rivet, and together they raised Jim and his siblings. Jim told his family many stories over the years about his childhood, growing up as an Italian Catholic in New York. He often said that he had a great childhood growing up with his sister Mary and brothers, Davey, Tommy and Joey. He was quite the pool player. He reminisced about having played in the same pool hall that was in the movie, The Hustler.

He served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corp. in 1960, serving four years. He spent most of his military service stationed in Okinawa, Japan. In the summer of 1963, in Quantico, Virginia, he met Carol Pipkin who was vacationing with a friend. They married in April 1964 in Queens, New York. Carol, a true Midwesterner, became reluctant to live in New York. Carol convinced Jim to move to Northern Illinois to be closer to her family. Together, they had three children, Tony, Tim and Tanya.

He worked as a police officer for the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department and retired as a service technician for Atwood Mobile Products. He enjoyed coaching and umpiring baseball. As a parent and grandparent, he and Carol enjoyed being spectators as well, attending many baseball, football, poms and cheerleading events. He was an avid collector of many things. He enjoyed pheasant and deer hunting with his sons. He was a member of the Blackhawk Field Archers Club with brother-in-law, Jesse Pipkin.

Jim was passionate about giving back to his community. For many years, he volunteered for the Rockford YMCA Annual Youth Campaign, raising thousands of dollars to support local youth. He supported his fellow veterans and was thankful that the Veterans Association helped those who were returning from duty.

With his big voice and big personality, you always knew where you stood with “Big Jim.” A good storyteller, eyes that sparkled when he laughed, he was a true family man who loved his family, grandkids, great grandkids and many friends. If you were a friend of Jim’s, you were a friend for life. Rest in Peace, Pops.

Jim is survived by sons, Tony (Michelle) Calabrese, Tim (Fabienne) Calabrese; grandchildren, Victoria Calabrese, Megan (Abel) Ortiz, Anthony Calabrese, Mackenzie Calabrese, Gabriela (Dylan) Ritter, Leo Ruiz, Delphine and Phoebe Calabrese; great grandchildren, Emilio and Javi Ortiz; sister, Mary Rinaldi. He was preceded in death by wife, Carol; daughter, Tanya Calabrese-Ruiz; parents; siblings, Davey and Tommy Calabrese and Joey Rivet.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their kindness and compassion. The family would also like to thank Pastor Chuck Waggoner and Heartland Hospice Chaplain, Rod Wedel for their many visits with Jim. On-line condolences may be expressed to the Calabrese family by visiting Jim’s obituary at www.sunsetmemgardens.com