Harry E. Calandra

Harry E. Calandra, born July 26, 1932 in Norristown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his home in Barto, PA on April 13, 2018 surrounded by his loving daughter and grandchildren. Harry, adopted son of Pasquale and Frances D'Ambrosio, was predeceased by his wife Vera M (Morabito) Calandra, son Michael Angelo, and his step-sister Rose (Carmen) Lista of Florida. Harry attended Norristown High School, where he met the love of his life, Vera, and was married April 25, 1954 at Holy Savior Church in Norristown, PA. Out of that love were six children: Michael (1957-2006), Julia (Stanley) Lineburg, Francesca (Stanley) Salkowski, Maria (John) koltonuk, Vera Marie (with whom he resided), and Christina (David) Rocus. He is also survived by grandchildren Santino, Nicholas, Matthew (fiancée Elizabeth), Angelo (fiancée Bridget), Christina (Mark), Amy (Matthew), Victoria (fiancé Kale), and Christina, great grandchildren Tristano and Benedeto, and many loving nieces and nephews. Harry and Vera owned and operated Mario's Cold Cuts for many years with the help of their children, an Italian specialty food store in the East end of Norristown. When their fifth child Vera Marie was born seriously ill and received a miraculous grace through the intercession of St. Pio, known at that time as Padre Pio, it became Harry and Vera's life-mission to make him known throughout the world. Along with his wife, Harry was the co-founder of the National Centre of Padre Pio Inc. Harry accompanied Vera on many speaking engagements all over the world promoting Padre Pio. Harry was a two-sport athlete in high school, playing both football and baseball. He excelled at baseball, being drafted into the Philadelphia Athletics Organization as a high right-handed pitcher, where he earned the nickname "Fireball Calandra" for his near 100 mph fastball. Harry loved to travel, but his greatest joy in life was being with those closest to him. He loved his family more than anything else and viewed them as his greatest accomplishment. After the passing of his wife in August 2004, Harry assumed the role of the President of the National Centre for Padre Pie where he continued to work every day until his death. Harry carried on Vera's tradition of sending personal, handwritten correspondence to St. Pio devotees. He will be dearly missed by all who worked with him and knew him best. Harry called on his Lord and Savior and Our Blessed Mother with his last breath. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Warker-Troutman Funeral Home in Pottstown, PA. The viewing will be on Tuesday, April 24, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the National Centre for Padre Pio, 111 Barto Road, Barto, PA, 19504. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 25, at 11:00 AM also at the National Centre for Padre Pio in the Padre Pio Spirituality Centre, 111 Barto Road, Barto, PA, on what would have been Harry and Vera's 64th wedding anniversary. Internment to follow at Most Blessed Sacrament Cemetery in Bally, PA. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Harry's memory to the National Centre for Padre Pio, Po Box 206, Barto, PA 19504. Donations may also be made to the Centre through its website, www.padrepio.org.

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