Alan Calavano

The lights of Rochester dimmed on Friday, March 18, when Alan Calavano passed away after a heroic battle with lymphoma.

Born June 18, 1945, in New Jersey, Alan had a keen mathematical mind that led to his acceptance at MIT. Upon graduation, IBM recruited him as a systems analyst; he eventually took up residence in what was to become his beloved, adopted home of Rochester. He spent his entire career at IBM, and upon retirement, was able to devote his full attention to the passions of his life. Friends may also be surprised to learn that at one time he did court evaluations for custody cases.

Alan was a typical New Jerseyite in wit and manner, and once you understood that, you understood him. He was also the guy who was generous to a fault, and his philanthropy encompassing time, talent and treasure never stopped.

Alan was "Mr. Rochester Historian," the author of a book on Rochester history as told through vintage postcards, and he donated every penny made through sales to the History Center of Olmsted County. The History Center was Alan's second home. When the Post-Bulletin's Answer Man needed the facts for an historical question, Alan was the go-to guy. His Rochesterfest historical tours — both actual and virtual — were sellouts because he always found something old that was new to share. As a member of both the Greater Rochester Arts and Cultural Trust's public art master plan steering committee and the Historic Preservation Committee, he was an incredible asset.

Alan, with his passion for history, which also included spending hundreds of hours at HCOC with his efforts of "The Princess Cafe" lectures of local history, also applied himself to efforts to see that our first Fire House clock received a proper bronze plaque with its history; as well as being the driving force for discussions of the proper relocation of this clock because of the Mayo auditorium addition, which continues to be no small task!

Alan also had an artistic bent. Music and singing were two of his passions from youth, and he continued with the Rochester Male Chorus. He might have been off to the side while singing, but as emcee for their performances, his unique wit was always front and center.

Everyone who knew Alan knew of his varied interests in the arts and humanities, and he was often cast in leadership roles; a favorite was chairman of the Rochester Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2004. Though honors were bestowed on him, such as the Rochester Heritage Preservation's Louise Hill Award for Individual Achievement (basically the city's lifetime achievement award in historic preservation), the prestigious Mayor's Medal of Honor Legacy Award in 2011, and the 2015 Ardee Award for Outstanding Volunteer in the Arts, he was humble in his acceptance, always thinking someone made a mistake.

Alan might have left us too soon, but if one's life is measured by those left behind in love and friendship, his was truly a life well lived and well loved.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert.

A memorial service will be at Zumbro Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 2, at 11 a.m. Interment of ashes will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Online condolences are welcome at mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Memorials are suggested to the Rochester Area Foundation's Fire Station No. 1 Clock Tower fund, History Center of Olmsted County, Rochester Male Chorus, or any charity of your choice.