Walter F. Calligaro

Walter F. Calligaro (“Kelly”) of Montville, NJ passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Born on July 31, 1936 to Romildo and Assunta Calligaro (née Chiamulera) of Passaic, NJ, Walt grew up in Clifton, NJ where he met his high school sweetheart and love of his life Carole (née Sommariva) whom he married in 1959. Walt and Carole spent 65 incredible years together where they built a beloved family of three children, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Walt also cherished his many lifelong friendships.

The son of two Italian immigrants, Walt was the first person in his family to be born in America. He graduated from Clifton High School in 1955 where he played on both the football and basketball teams before going on to graduate from Syracuse University in 1959, where he was a brother of Alpha Chi Rho fraternity and earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting. Shortly after his wedding Walt served in the United States Army Reserve.

A true entrepreneur, Walt spent most of his life developing and managing real estate in Clifton. After beginning his career as an accountant at R. G. Lindstrom & Company in New York City he went on to invest in, develop and manage numerous residential, office and retail real estate projects in his hometown. He enjoyed spending time at the properties he was involved in and building relationships with the community of people who lived in, worked at or visited each of them.

Over the years he served on the board of Passaic General Hospital, was a member of the Old Friends Beneficial Club and enjoyed organizing annual beefsteak dinners for Clifton High School Football Alumni. As a member of Upper Montclair Country Club, Walt enjoyed playing golf and the opportunity it provided him to spend quality time with his grandchildren and friends.

An avid sports fan, he was a longtime New York Giants season ticket holder and treasured attending games at the stadium with family and friends. He travelled extensively with his wife and often visited the Dolomites to spend time with relatives.

Most of all Walt was selfless and made time to help anyone at a moment’s notice. He loved talking to people, learning about their lives, and discovering the topics they were passionate about. He had a deep and abiding love for spending time with his family and found joy watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and performances, and playing on the floor for countless hours with the youngest family members well past his 80th birthday.

Walt was a devoted husband, loving father and adoring grandfather and great grandfather that will be deeply missed but always remembered. He is survived by his wife, Carole, his three children Cindy Calligaro, Randy Calligaro and Gary Calligaro (Patti). Walt is also survived by five grandchildren Joshua Gajdos (Kristina), Ryan Gajdos (Martine), Jordan Gajdos (Jaclyn), Max Calligaro and Ava Calligaro. He is also survived by five great grandchildren Dominic, Aria, Kaia, Kennedy and Teo Gajdos.

Memorial visitation will be held Monday, December 16, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton.  A Memorial Mass will be held Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Pius X R.C. Church, 24 Changebridge Road, Montville, NJ. Please meet at church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, FDR Station, P.O. Box 220, New York, NY 10150.  Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences on the Tribute Wall section of the obituary.

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