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John Calabria Obituary
Age: 72 • Bridgewater, VA
John Calabria, 72, of Bridgewater, VA, died peacefully at his home September 10, 2016 surrounded by his immediate family. He is survived by his loving wife Betty, of 50 years, his daughter Jill, his son Jon, and daughter-in-law Jen. He is also survived by three gifted grandchildren, a brother, Nicholas and many cousins, nieces and nephews. John, first and foremost, loved his family. He distinguished himself with his insightful perspectives and personable wit. He began his Virginia teaching career at Blue Ridge Community College on its Opening Day in 1967. He taught courses in accounting and business. John retired more than 35 years later.
He relished retirement with time to spend in the garden and hours to learn digital media. He enjoyed photography and documenting his travels through his garden and around the world. He shared his appreciation of trains and train travel with members of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad Club. Most recently he devoted time and attention to learning the craft of wood turning. John appreciated tutorials at Central Virginia Woodturners Association located in Crimora, VA.
All are welcome to visitation at Kyger Funeral Home, 3173 Spotswood Trail Harrisonburg, VA Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 2:00-4pm. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested to make memorial contributions to Blue Ridge Community College Fine Arts program and School of Music Jazz Program at James Madison University. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.kygers.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Calabria
Sponsored by Kyger Funeral Home - Harrisonburg.
October 9, 2016
Dear Betty I am so sorry for your loss.
-Aaron from HTS
September 20, 2016
My sincerest sympathy, Betty.
all my love, Becky Humphrey Myers
Dee and Becky Huffman
September 19, 2016
Dear Betty,
Sorry to hear of your loss of John. I always enjoyed his sense of humor. I'll never forget the picture of John as a rock star on your refrigerator.
Bill O'Meara
September 15, 2016
Dear Betty and family,
John was a wonderful friend to me, and I will miss him so very much.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you upon your great loss of this generous and loving man from whom I learned how to be a better man.
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Martha Livick
September 15, 2016
Dearest Betty,
So sorry for the loss of John. Thanks for sharing him with so many as he was a charming and witty fellow. From his teaching at BRCC to our shared trips to NYC, I am so happy to know you both.
Sharing some good thoughts of John is easy:
1. During evening classes of accounting at BRCC, he would bring us "Double Stuff Oreo" cookies to keep us lively during class! That extra treat of chocolate was a treat for us, but him too.
2. Thank you for all the entertainment on those long bus trips to NYC (and your great art knowledge shared.
3. His cute remark to me as i played the tune"It's a Small World after all" during a Disney presentation for ACCT class. He said, "OK, that's enough of that small world stuff, get on with the presentation." Class chuckled and I began the boring presentation, but at least I knew he was listening...
4. A man of many talents, he gave me a pressed flower box set, for no reason at all.
5. His "messy" desk/office was a constant discussion in the F suite at BRCC, but you could always find chocolate snacks left by his students.
Such a wonderful man who is now highlighting the Heavens and watching us all to his delight. Thanks for sharing your John with us!
Martha
Julie & Dean, Wrench Craft
September 14, 2016
Dear Betty,
Dean and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family during this difficult time. We have such wonderful memories of John.
It was always such a treat when John came into the shop. Especially for me, because I usually got a new book but always got an entertaining tale! I miss him already and think of you both often. He was a wonderful man and we wish you eventual peace and comfort.
September 14, 2016
Dear Mr Calabria's Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences. I was one of many students that he taught at BRCC. He was a fantastic teacher and left a real impression on me. He will live on through all of the lives that he touched for we are better people for knowing him.
Michelle Smelser
September 14, 2016
To John's Family: Sorry for you loss and we at the Central Virginia Woodturners club share your loss too! John was not a member very long but left his marks of humor, fast learner, and really fun to be around.
Dennis Hippen-Previous CVW President.
Dale Shiflet
September 14, 2016
Dear Betty and family,
We send our sincere condolences for you during this time. May you all find comfort in the memories and love from everyone who knew John. You all have been exceptional neighbors and John will be missed. We're still just down the road if you need anything.
Dale Shiflet & family
Carolyn Dove
September 14, 2016
I had Mr. Calabria for Accounting in the late 80's and he has left a lasting impression upon me. He was a wonderful teacher who made learning a fun experience. His stories were wonderful as well. I have thought of him many times in my banking career as I remembered the things he taught. My sincere condolences to the family on the loss of such a great man. He will be remembered by many and has left lasting impressions to all who knew him. May God, family and friends give you comfort and strength at this most difficult time. With sincere sympathy and prayers to the family.
September 14, 2016
Dear Betty and Family:
Our sincere condolences for your loss. He was a joy in every way. We love to hear stories of his travels. He always had a smile and a good word for everyone. We will miss him but will always remember his bright star. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dr. Dwayne Wolters and Staff:
September 14, 2016
Betty, We are sorry to learn of your husband, Johns death. From our many chats in the hospital about all of your activities together,I believe that the two of you enjoyed life to its fullest extent.THinking of you both. Dr.John and Mary Talbert
"'
Joyce D Miller
September 14, 2016
Betty,
The world was made better with John. He will be missed, but especially by you.May his accomplishments and persona sustain you and your family. Richard reacted with care and concern. we are sad with you. Shalom
Denise Whitman
September 14, 2016
Dear, dear Betty:
My sincere condolences on your loss. May the Lord Hold All of you in the Palm Of His Hand during this time of bereavement.
September 14, 2016
I have such great memories of Mr. Calabria from Blue Ridge. He is the reason I finished the Accounting program. I took the first semester or Principles twice and missed the second semester because I was pregnant. Seven years later, I took 1st semester and, sure enough, in December found to my surprise I was pregnant again much to my surprise.. Mr. "C" said you are going to take 2nd part, even if I have to deliver this baby myself so there I sat in May, very pregnant, but I finished and went on to graduate. Mrs Betty did a program in art in Stuarts Draft and had my daughter Leslie in the class. In tax class, Mr C said he needed one night a week for stories and one night for taxes. The stories were always great. You both touched our lives in so many ways. We are so sorry for your loss of a wonderful man, teacher, and friend.
Becki and Frank Fielding and family
Stuarts Draft, VA
Lynne (McComas) Spangler
September 14, 2016
Deepest sympathy for your loss. As a student of Mr. Calabria in 1980, I can say he was a truly inspiring and caring teacher.
Phil James
September 13, 2016
Betty,
Carol and I were so sorry to hear of John's death. I have fond memories of you and John and your son, and you are in our thoughts. Phil and Carol James
Rufus Huffman
September 13, 2016
Betty,
So sorry for your loss.
I always enjoyed my associations with him-with his twinkle in his eyes, his wit, his inquisitive demeanor, and his zest for living life to the fullest.
He will be missed, but cherish the memories.
Donna Hayslett
September 13, 2016
Mr. Calabria was my instructor at BRCC in an evening business class. My husband and I were expecting our first child (1990). I remember telling him I had to sit near the door because I had to go to the bathroom so often. :) He laughed, and sure enough I had that seat the entire class. I enjoyed his class so much and learned a great deal that helped me in my banking career. I am sorry for your loss and will add your family to my prayers.
Russell Ralston
September 13, 2016
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with John at BRCC. A man with a keen sense of humor. He will be missed. God bless.
Debbie Shifflett
September 13, 2016
To John's family: So sorry for your loss. John was a delightful person and a wonderful patient. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. We are very sadden by his passing. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word. Our deepest sympathy.
Richard Gatlin
September 13, 2016
May the Lord comfort you in this time of loss.
John's teaching at BRCC made me the Accountant that I became. His common sense approach and humor made learning fun and easy. I will never forget him telling us "In this classroom, debits are by the door and credits are by the window." The next quarter we were in the classroom across the hall, and he froze in his tracks at the door the first evening of class, and exclaimed "Uh-oh, now we've got start all over! The credits are now by the door and the debits are by the window!"
Kathi Fields
September 13, 2016
To John's family: So sorry for your loss. John was a delightful colleague at BRCC. I always enjoyed talking with him and especially hearing about his travel adventures. You have my deepest sympathy.
Carolyn Wimer-Southerly
September 13, 2016
Betty, so sorry for your loss.
GLENN AND ARLENE REID
September 12, 2016
DEAR CALABRIA FAMILY, OUR LOVE AND SYMPATHY TO EACH OF YOU! WE HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF YOU ALL OVER THE YEARS.... GLENN LEARNED A LOT ABOUT GOATS THE SUMMER HE STAYED ON YOUR FARM WHILE YOU WENT TO EUROPE!
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Kyger Funeral Home - Harrisonburg3173 Spotswood Trail, Harrisonburg, VA 22801-3107
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