Anthony J. Calagna, Jr.

Anthony J. Calagna, Jr died peacefully on January 28, 2023, at his home in Metairie at the age of 81, surrounded by his loving family. A native of New Orleans and long-time resident of Metairie, he was born on December 7, 1941, to the late Anthony Joseph Calagna, Sr. and Mary Pecoraro Calagna. He is survived by his wife Anita Beslin Calagna, his son Anthony Joseph Calagna, III (Brandi), his daughter Maria Elizabeth Calagna (Julie) and his grandchildren, Faith Elizabeth Calagna and Luca Joseph Calagna. He is also survived by brothers Edward and Michael Calagna, nephew Christopher Calagna (Kristi), niece Bodhi Calagna and brothers-in-law Ralph Francis Beslin (Anita), Michael Joseph Beslin, and Scott Jude Beslin (seminarian).

Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Robert Calagna and dear family member, Carol Anne Christen.

Joe was so proud of his Italian heritage, as are his children. He loved teaching and spent his 44 year teaching career at various New Orleans Schools: Archbishop Shaw (1966-67), Cor Jesu and Brother Martin (1967-1997, and Benjamin Franklin High School (1997-2011. He was proud to be one of the teacher founders of Brother Martin, English teacher, drama director, and head of the English department. Joe retired in 2011 from Benjamin Franklin High School (NOPS).

He was an avid student of English and history, a voracious reader, preferring what he called “real” books to e versions. He was quiet, loving, patient, and devoted to his family, who adored him in return. “Joe, Dad, and Pop” will be in our hearts forever.

The family would like to extend its thanks to the staff of Notre Dame Hospice, who treated Joe and his family with gentle and professional support.

A visitation for Anthony will be held Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 9:00 AM at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM and interment thereafter at Metairie Cemetery.