Eugene "Gene" Calvano

1924 - 2016

Eugene Anthony Calvano
January 27, 1924 - May 28, 2016

Eugene "Gene" Calvano passed away Saturday May 28, 2016 at the age of 92, Gene's family was at his side when he passed into the hands of our Lord. Gene was preceded in his death by his parents Sam and Rose Calvano, two sisters Ida and Teresa, three brothers, Art, Dominick and Al, and his oldest son Peter Calvano. Gene is survived by the love of his life and wife of 66 years, Gloria Calvano, his children; daughter Gloria "Annie" (Ed) Gaunder, son Dominick Calvano, daughter Mary (Pete) Dittemore, grandchildren Patrick Schlosser, Dominick Schlosser, Jeremy Schlosser, John Gaunder, Stefani Schwartz, Dusti Calvano, Thomas Calvano, Christopher Calvano, Mandy Calvano, Kristi-Lynn Lake, David Dittemore, Justin Dittemore, Fay Barber, 23 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was also guardian of his brother Al's children, Rita Smith, Rosie Calvano (deceased), Joni Halpern, Sam Calvano and Christine Calvano. Gene was born in 1924 in Chicago. He always talked about his early life in the Italian neighborhood and how it shaped his future. As a young boy during the Depression he (among various other odd jobs) helped his brother push a fresh produce cart around the neighborhood selling fresh vegetables. The money they made went to help feed the family. As a young man, his family moved to where the work was in California. In 1942, at the age of 17, Gene joined the Marine Corp to serve his country in WWII. After boot camp and some training in 29 Palms, CA, Gene was off to the South Pacific where he was involved in one of the most notorious battles of the war on the island of Peleliu. After his discharge in 1945 Gene returned to California and started his employment at what would be his most loved career, the fresh produce business. Gene started work for Safeway Stores in an open front market in South Pasadena as a Produce Clerk, soon becoming highly respected for his skills. Over the next 30 years he proceeded to move his way up the ladder until retiring as the Western Divisional, Produce Merchandising Manager for Safeway Stores. After retiring from Safeway, Gene fulfilled one of his dreams by moving to a place that he always loved, the High Desert. Gene always had a pioneering mind and in 1977 he opened the popular Bushel Basket Specialty Market on Bear Valley and Mariposa, in Victorville. At the time it was one of the first businesses of that stretch of road. The store was opened approximately 10 years before closing. In the interim he was asked by a friend to help turn around a business that was struggling. So for approximately 3 years he moved to the lower desert and was the General Manager of the Hadley Date Orchards, managing their growing operations. After that Gene finished off his working career in the financial advisory business.Gene was deeply dedicated to his faith and attended Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church. There he was very involved in the various ministries participating as a Stephen Minister for a time and also a Eucharistic Minister. For 30 plus years Gene and his wife Gloria hosted a meal and get together fund raiser for St. Anthony's Feast Day benefiting the St. Anthony Orphanage. Gene volunteered at St. Mary's Hospital in Apple Valley for 10 years, visiting and praying with patients and bringing patients Communion. Gene was proud of all his family and how close they were and given the chance would let people know about it. Like his father Sam Calvano, Gene inherited a love and talent for gardening that kept the family supplied with fresh vegetables from his fantastic gardens. He was the cornerstone of our family and will surely be missed by all. God bless you Gene and I have a feeling the Lord will have a special assignment for you. One of Gene's requests was that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: Franciscan Charities, St. Anthony Bread 3140 Meramec St. St. Louis, MO 63118 in memory of Gene Calvano. Rosary will be recited, Thursday June 9, 2016 at 10:30 am at Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church. Mass will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will be private. Arrangements entrusted to Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary, Apple Valley, CA.