RICHARD J. CALANDRELLA

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RICHARD CALANDRELLA Obituary

Name: Memorial Gathering for RICHARD J. CALANDRELLA
Start: 2016-06-25T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-06-26T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Acton Funeral Home

CALANDRELLA, Richard J. 79, of Acton, MA formerly of Somerville, MA, June 20, 2016. Beloved husband of Anne-Marie "Nancy" (Thomas) Calandrella. Father of Steven & wife Tammy of Litchfield, NH, & Douglas of Acton. Grandfather of Kristen Benjamin and husband Michael, & Lauren, Sarah & Kimberly Calandrella. Great-grandfather of Logan & Paisley Benjamin. A gathering for family & friends will be held Sat. June 25th from 4:00-8:00pm at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave (Rte 111) ACTON. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the charity or organization of one's choice. US Navy vet, Korean War Era. Memorial page www.actonfuneralhome.com

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Published by Boston Globe from Jun. 21 to Jun. 22, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD CALANDRELLA

6 Entries

Yanni Gou

June 25, 2016

In Memory of Dick Calandrella
-A Dedicated Community Leader and Loving Friend

When I walk into church, I can't help but think of the days when Dick was around. I am so used to his greetings. He would call my name, give me a warm hug with a big smile on his face, and ask me, How are you? Knowing Dick, he probably greeted many of us in the same caring fashion.

I met Dick in 2006. He served the Acton Chinese Language School Board for four terms a total of eight years, from 2007 to 2012 and from 2013 to 2015. He served the Board the longest years in ACLS history. He also served as a Parent Council Member during his gap year from the Board.

I was curious about how Dick got involved with ACLS. He told me he was a student in the adult Chinese as a Second Language (CSL) class. I joked with him, You were kicked out, right? He laughed, Pretty much. I couldn't make it to many of my classes. Occasionally he would show off his Chinese language skills by saying, Ni Hao and Xie Xie.

Dick had a long career in public relations. He was eager to utilize his skills, experience, and his connections to contribute to ACLS. He was on the public relations team for ACLS's big events, including all four years of the Acton Chinese Music Night, 2010 Acton Chinese Culture Day, and 2011 Acton Town 275th Anniversary & Chinese New Year Celebration.

Dick always did a fantastic job on his press releases, which ended up in The Beacon, Action Unlimited, Acton Patch, The Boston Globe, and Acton TV. He also seized the opportunity to have ACLS participate in the live Fox 25 News Zip Trip to Acton show in July 2011. This was the first time ACLS was broadcasted nationally.

Dick always took initiative of those press releases, and he would usually have something drafted before our meetings. Normally I would jokingly ask him, Dick, what are the words you'll put into my mouth this time? He always chuckled at these running jokes, and had a positive attitude that allowed me to develop a friendly relationship with him from many years of working with him.

Dick was instrumental in organizing ACLS's participation in the Oktoberfest event in West Acton for many years. He coordinated the booth locations and performance times, and usually dressed up in traditional Chinese Tang Zhuang. I remember when we participated the first time, he commented that the event was the most successful one in the history of Oktoberfest and he was so proud that ACLS was a part of it.

I didn't know how old Dick was until a few days ago. In my mind he appeared as a young and energetic man -- just with white hair. He was always enthusiastic, helpful and willing to try new things. Many Sundays, Dick held the door open at ACLS and wore an orange jacket to direct traffic. He always had a big smile on his face.

Although time may leave us with gray hair and wrinkles on our faces, it should not leave wrinkles on our hearts. One time when we had a Board meeting at Dick's house, I saw his and Nancy's pictures from when they were young. I joked once again, Nancy still looks beautiful. Are you sure this is you? I rarely joked with elders, but my interactions with Dick were filled with so much laughter since I knew no matter what I said, he would just laugh -- laugh from his young and non-wrinkled heart.

In reflection of Dick's life, his dedicated services to ACLS, and his 45 years of volunteer work for the Acton community, the BMWBC Church, the Angel Dance Company, the North American Chorus Association (NACA) set an extraordinary example for all of us: that none of us, like him, ought to retire from serving our community. Together, let's continue to carry on his vision and make our community a better place.

Dick, you will forever be missed in our hearts!

Ira Stepanian

June 24, 2016

So sad to learn of Dick's passing. He had been a good friend since junior high school days. While our paths would cross occasionally since then, we reconnected when I started attending the '54 luncheons a few years ago at The Great Wall. He was a man of integrity and good will and his seat at those Tuesday luncheons will never be filled by another like him.

Ira Stepanian, Boston, MA.

Carol Granfield

June 22, 2016

So very sorry to hear about Dick's passing. We were classmates at SHS and we've served on the reunion committee. He will really be missed.
Carol Doherty Granfield

June 22, 2016

Sorry for your loss. Please know that God is close to the brokenhearted (Ps 34: 18). He will help you to endure.

Dawna Sullivan Zahler

June 21, 2016

Doug , I am so very sorry for the loss of Your Father . My Sister thought so very much of him . Keeping you and your Family in my Prayers .

andrew zheng

June 21, 2016

Rest in peace and may God bless your soul in heaven

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