Joseph Calvanese

He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Joseph was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

For Joseph, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Joseph was also adept at details. Joseph was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He was taken out of grade school to work.

There was one thing that all of Joseph's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Joseph was such a popular person throughout his life. But Joseph was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Joseph was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Joseph was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Joseph was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Joseph was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Joseph made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were his Uncle Johnny and Uncle Louie. Family was very important to him.

Joseph was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Joseph cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On July 18th, 1959 Joseph married Dolores May Miller at Most Precious Blood Roman Catholic Church in Astoria, New York. Compassionate and devoted, Joseph worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Joseph and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Joseph was blessed with two daughters, Donna Marie and Diane. They were also blessed with one granddaughter, Gabriella. Joseph was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Joseph was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Joseph would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Joseph, and he expected the same from those around him. Joseph was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Joseph was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Joseph handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” He worked with J&J Trucking which is part of the Teamsters Truck Driver. He was employed for almost 30 years. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

A methodical man, Joseph enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite hobbies were playing cards with friends, betting on horses and going to Atlantic City.

His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Joseph to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Joseph did his fair share of volunteer work, and he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout his later years, Joseph was an active member of the OTB

His high moral standards and traditional values served Joseph well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member Most Precious Blood Roman Catholic Church. During that time, he was attended Mass on Sunday. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

A generous and compassionate man, Joseph accomplished much during his lifetime. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Joseph was recognized and given awards for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included "Father of the Century".

Not only did Joseph enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He tried going back and revisiting his favorite places some of his favorite vacations included upstate NY to Sugar Maples.

Joseph was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Some of his favorites pets were his dogs Sheppy, Cindy and Beauty and his parrots and cats.

Since it was easy for Joseph to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Joseph was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1990. He spent most of his time at home. In retirement, he found new pleasure in playing cards with friends, at the Peter Delamonica Senior Center. Even in retirement, Joseph stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Joseph passed away on May 25, 2013 at Mt Sinai Hospital. He is survived by his two daughters. Services were held at Most Precious Blood Roman Catholic Church. Joseph was laid to rest at Saint Raymond’s Cemetery

Joseph was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Joseph was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind.