Joseph Calandra

Joseph P. Calandra of Mattydale passed away at his home Friday at 95 years of age. He was raised in Cicero, NY. He was the son of the late Frank and Maria LaCondia Calandra. Joe and his family moved to Plymouth Ave, Mattydale in 1953.
Joe retired in 1978 after 35 years as a Laboratory Technician for General Electric HMED in Liverpool. A decorated Army veteran who served in the 9th Division 60th Infantry Unit in Europe during World War II, he was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. Joe earned his high school diploma when he was 80 years young and was a communicant of St. Margaret's Church in Mattydale.
He was predeceased by his siblings: Vita Cangemi, Victoria May and Thomas Calandra.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, the former Rosa Cronotti; their four children: Francis Karen Calandra of Webster, Maria Zapf of Syracuse, Ermine Richard Cunningham of Baldwinsville, and Joseph Lisa Calandra of Sarasota, FL; eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Joe was happiest when he succeeded in fixing something that someone else had given up on, from vehicles to vacuum cleaners. When not toiling in his workshops, he was in his garden growing a variety of flowers that he loved to share with others. Joe's legacy to all who knew and loved him is one of honest work, gentleness to his fellow man and gratitude for the blessings of a long life and a loving family. As Joe often said, "I'd rather wear out than rust out."
Friends may call Sunday from 1-4 pm at Krueger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale. Funeral Services will be held Monday 10:00 am, at the funeral home followed by burial with full military honors in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse.