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JUNIUS CALITRI Obituary

JUNIUS CALITRI - CORNWALL - Junius Calitri of Cornwall died on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, at the age of 95. Junius Brunus Calitri was born on Nov. 18, 1917, in Bronx, N.Y. His parents, Antonio Calitri and Esther (Leinkram) Calitri were innovators in the development of foreign language programs in public education systems of New York. Junius received his bachelor's degree from New York University in 1939, and his master's degree from Columbia University in 1947. He was married to Klara (Feiner) Calitri in 1943. A world-class swimmer, Junius was the National Junior Swim Champion while at Dee Witt Clinton High School and Captain and coach of his swim team during his time at N.Y.U. He was invited to Tel Aviv to compete in the second Maccabiah Games in 1935, and was also selected for a spot on the United States Olympic Team for the games of 1940. Junius set many records in freestyle while at N.Y.U., some of which stood until the 1980s. Junius started early in public service; he was a Life Guard during the summer, and won the New York City Life Guard Championship in 1939. After moving to Vermont, Junius participated in and won several Master's swimming events. Ever the athlete, Junius was also a tennis enthusiast and continued to play until the middle of his ninety-fourth year. During World War II, Junius was the Chief Ground School Instructor for the Army Air Force in Burlington. After the war, Junius taught physical education and science, settling in Putnam Valley, N.Y., in 1947. He became principal and then superintendent of the Putnam Valley Central Schools, where he was respected as a progressive, compassionate educator. After his retirement in 1974, Junius served as Superintendent for the Garrison School District in Garrison, N.Y., for several years, then "retired" to Vermont in 1980 and became a negotiator for the Vermont School Boards Association. Always civic-minded, Junius was president of the Vermont School Boards Association for several years, served as a member of the Cornwall School Board and as a representative for the School Boards Association to national events, and was an active participant until his death. Junius worked with Counseling Service of Addison County for many years as its past president and current vice-president. Junius Calitri is survived by Klara, his wife of 69 years; son, Ronald Calitri of New York City; daughters, Thea Calitri-Martin of North Pomfret, and Lisa Calitri of Cornwall; sister, Gloria Brody of Methuen, Mass.; grandchildren, Meredith and Nicholas Martin; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Charles and Joseph. Junius was always proud of his family, and had a wide circle of friends. He was ever ready to give counsel, share a joke or join in lively discussions. His clear sight, level head and sense of humor will be dearly missed by all. A memorial celebration will be held at the Champlain Valley Unitarian Universalist Society in Middlebury on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at 1:30 p.m.

Published by The Burlington Free Press on Dec. 20, 2012.
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Dear Juni,
I will never forget the support and wisdom that you offered to me. Please know that you helped hundreds of people in your lifetime. Please know that when problems arise in my life, I always go to my Saint Juni.To me he is the patron saint of helping both old and young teachers find teaching jobs.I need your help now, Juni, for a teaching job. I see you moving your glasses down as you get ready to give me advice. I am always listening.

Girl from the Bronx

June 24, 2013

Thanks, Mr C -- for being welcoming when I was a kid, to being such a force of good in the world, for laughing in all the right places, and for parenting one of the best women I know. Love always.

Kir

January 1, 2013

I was sorry to read of Junius's death. I worked with Thea many years ago when I was a teacher in Warren. I also worked with Junius in his role as negotiator during my time at VT-NEA. He was a gentleman who had a wonderful spirit.

Suzanne Dirmaier

Suzanne Dirmaier

December 28, 2012

Klara, I am so sorry I could not make the service. My sympathies, Dolores

December 23, 2012

I was fortunate to work with Juni when I was a school board member in Enosburg. My condolences to his family.

Terrell Titus

December 20, 2012

I knew "Juni" in two very distinct roles decades ago, very early in my education career. First, I was a lead negotiator for a teachers' association in a small northern VT district. Just a few years later I was a 26 year old principal in the same district. In both roles, on both "sides" of negotiations I got to know him and learned from him. I recall one late night he and I sat in his car, Mozart playing on his sound system, and we talked through a very sticky issue. Smart, strategic, witty, bristly at times but always looking for solutions for kids.

Ed Wilkens

December 20, 2012

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