Richard N. Calabro Sr.

Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Teacher

 Richard N. Calabro passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 24, 2024. He was surrounded by his beloved wife Rhonda (Cookson) Calabro of 55 years and their adoring children and grandchildren. Rich was born on June 3, 1943 in Waterbury, CT to the late Salvatore and Nicolina Calabro. He was predeceased by his brother Salvatore and wife Helene, sister Diana and husband Jack Gereski and brother Roger and wife Terri.

Rich graduated from American International College in 1967 with a Bachelors in Education. As an educator for 50 years, he influenced and mentored many. He retired after 35 years at Crosby High School, where he served as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. In retirement he was a consultant for the development of the Woodland Hawks’s athletic program and facilities. He then went back to the classroom and enjoyed 15 more years of teaching ESL to Adult Education students in Waterbury.

At the end of each school year, Rich enjoyed hosting his Crosby colleagues at the Claude Memorial golf tournament, which was filled with laughter and fun had by all. He bowled in the Wolcott Lanes Thursday night’s league for 30 years and was a member of the Meadow Social Club.

Family was most important to Rich. He provided guidance, love and wisdom. He was privileged and honored to at any time be a help to all of his children and extended family. He had a unique ability to form extraordinary bonds with many people. Outgoing and the life of the party, Rich never skipped a chance to dance on a dance floor (or table if available).

At the beginning of his Alzheimer's journey Richard wrote: “I care about my wife Rhonda, family, teaching, the value of education, New York Yankees, my beloved Cleveland Browns and the downfall of Alzheimer’s Disease. Although Alzheimers will steal my memory it will not dim my love for my wife or family. In the depths of forgetfulness, I will still be loving and devoted to my family. I believe Love Never Forgets. Lastly, for my funeral, I’m thinking about asking the Cleveland Browns to send pallbearers to lower my coffin so they could let me down for the last time.”

Richard and his family would like to thank his caregivers Angela, Gail, and Mark for the outstanding love and care that they showed during their time with him.

Rich leaves to cherish his love and memory: his beloved wife Rhonda, his adoring children Richard Jr and his wife Sarah of Santa Monica, Marcus and his wife Sharon of Prospect and daughter Marly and her husband Martin Parker of Prospect as well as his cherished grandchildren Grace and Ella Parker and Nicholas and Andrew Calabro. Rich also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for Rich on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 12:30pm at St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church 4 Union City Rd., Prospect with interment to immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury. Friends and family are invited to visit with the Calabro family on Saturday from 8:30am to 11:30am at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect. Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements and to care for the Calabro family during this difficult time. Please visit prospectmemorial.com to share your memories, photos and condolences.

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