William D. Calabrese Sr.
William D. Calabrese Sr.
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diagnosis of mesothelioma in August of 2022. He was born on July 12, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to
Adeline (nee Smiraglia) and Antonio Calabrese. In 1948, the Calabrese family moved to Hersey,
Michigan, where they worked on their 80-acre farm. He attended Hersey Agricultural School followed
by Central High School in Grand Rapids when the family moved again. Bill joined the Army and served in
the motor pool in Korea from 1959-1962. He also attended Aquinas College for Business. He met his
devoted wife, Carolyn (nee Brown), in 1959. They married on August 31, 1963. Bill and Carol had two
children, William Calabrese, Jr. (Leslie) and Kristen Hurst (Christopher).
Over the years, Bill worked in various fields including insurance, construction, photography, and truck
driving. In 1976, the Calabrese family moved back to Hersey and opened MaMa Mia Restaurant which
remained in business for 25 years. In 2003 Bill and Carol returned to Grand Rapids where he continued
to drive a truck until he retired.
Bill enjoyed the presence of his family, especially his grandchildren, Mia Calabrese, Vincent Calabrese,
Matthew (Jewlz) Hurst, Stephanie Hurst, Emily Pearce, and Amanda Hurst, as well as his great-
grandchildren, Charles Hurst-Rabacal, Apollo, Fae, and Kai Hurst. He loved the Lord and enjoyed
studying the Bible. Bill's sense of humor and biting wit will be greatly missed. He had a twinkle in his eye
when he started trouble or said something inappropriate up to the end.
He is survived by his wife, Carol, his brother's John (Marie) and Frank, and his sister Laurain (Robert)
Beitner. He was preceded in death by his beloved older brother, Anthony.
Visitation will begin at 10:30 am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2275 Diamond Ave. NE, Grand
Rapids, MI, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 am. A luncheon will be served immediately following
the Mass.
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4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
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