Amel E. Calcagni

1926 - 05

Amel E. Calcagni, 79, of Collinsburg, died at his home with his family at his side Saturday, March 11 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 8, 1926, in Smithton, a son of the late Emilio and Mary Marty Calcagni. Amel was retired from the Jones Brewery in Smithton, where be worked for 40 years. He was a member of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church and The Holy Name Society in West Newton. He was a member of the Slovenic Singing Society in Collinsburg and he was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy. In addition to his parents, He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph C. Calcagni and Elmit Calcagni; two sisters, Mary Radcliffe and Amelita Dross, and an infant sister, Gloria Calcagni. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His memories will be cherished by his wife of 55 years, Gloria Maleski Calcagni; three children, Amel Calcagni Jr. and his wife, Sandra, of Smithton, Ralph Calcagni and his wife, Patricia, of Ruffsdale, and Janine Laird and her husband, Pete, of Collinsburg; five grandchildren, James Laird Jr., Melissa Opher and her husband, Barry, William, Brandon and Ryan Calcagni; two great-grandchildren, Izabella and Anastazia Opher. He is also survived by his brother, Gerald Calcagni, of Belle Vernon; a sister, Mafalda Horrocks, of Dunkirk, N.Y.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be private. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, West Newton, with the Rev. James Bump as celebrant. Interment with military honors will follow in the West Newton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Excela Health Hospice Care, Greensburg, Pa., or the Holy Family Roman Catholic in West Newton. The family wishes to express its gratitude for the kindness and compassion shown by Excela Health Hospice. The RICHARD F. DODSON MEMORIAL HOME, West Newton, is in charge of arrangements. www.dodsonfuneralhome.com