Joseph Thomas Caldarola

Joseph Thomas Caldarola, age 92, was born on April 7, 1923, in New York City and passed away peacefully in the company of his family on Thursday, July 9, 2015, in San Antonio, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Agostino and Theresa Caldarola, and his brothers, Dr. Thomas Caldarola, M.D. and Anthony Caldarola.

Joe, a First Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, served honorably as a navigator in Europe during World War II. He was a Cadet at Albright University in Reading Pennsylvania, where he met and then married the love of his life, Elvira (Vera) Buffa. They would spend the next 71 years together.

After the war, Joe graduated from New York University with advanced engineering degrees , and had a distinguished career in the research and development of laser technology for use on weaponry guidance systems in both the public and private sectors. Upon his retirement in 1983, Joe and Vera moved to San Antonio, Texas, to be close to the family.

Joe was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Everyone who knew him was charmed by his simple elegance, generosity, integrity, intellect and wisdom. He was an avid reader, sports enthusiast, and master bridge player. He enjoyed great food, wine and conversation with his family and friends.

He loved us, and we will always love him. Our family is especially grateful to his beloved brother Dr. Vincent T. Caldarola, M.D., who was always there for Joe, personally oversaw his healthcare needs, and saved his brother's life on several occasions.

Joe is survived by his wife, Vera Caldarola, his daughters, Gayle Caldarola and Corie Caldarola Duncan and her husband, Dr. Scott C. Duncan, M.D. of San Antonio; his granddaughter, Caitlin Howell and her husband, Adam Sabrin of San Antonio and his brother Dr. Vincent T. Caldarola, M.D. and his family.

A private service with full military honors will be held at Fort Sam Houston followed by a mass at 12:30 p.m. on July 30, 2015 , at St. Pius X Catholic Church at 3303 Urban Crest in San Antonio, Texas. A reception from 2:00 to 4:00 pm will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hemophilia Research Foundation, 7 Penn Plaza, Suite 1204, New York, NY 10001.