James S. Caldeira

James S. Caldeira 1938 - 2010 LUDLOW - James S. Caldeira, 71, of Ludlow, died on Friday June 4, 2010 surrounded by his loving family at his residence. He was born in Fall River, MA on July 15, 1938 a son of the late James J. and Silvana (Gomes) Caldeira. James was a graduate of Durfee High School in Fall River and was a star forward on the 1956 Durfee High School Basketball team that also featured former Boston Red Sox catcher, Russ Gibson that won the Massachusetts State and New England Titles, respectively, in the legendary Boston Garden. James also attended Providence College. He was employed for 42 years for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with the Massachusetts Highway Department and retired as a civil engineer in 1999. James was a life member of the Springfield Lodge of Elks # 61. An avid golfer and former single-digit handicapper, James was a former member and served on the board of directors of Ludlow Country Club. He also was a member and served on the board of directors of the Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be deeply missed by his wife of 53 years, Elena C. (Pannoni) Caldeira; his sons, Stephen J. Caldeira and his wife Jane of Wellesley, MA, and James D. Caldeira of Phoenix, AZ; his grandchildren, Madeleine and Alexander Caldeira; his brother, Joseph Caldeira and his wife Ann of Albany, GA; and his many nephews and nieces and extended family members and friends. He also leaves his friend and companion, his dachshund Oscar. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday June 8, 2010 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sampson's Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Road in Springfield. Visiting hours will also be held on Thursday June 10, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Hathaway Home for Funerals, 1813 Robeson Street, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, 120 Beattie Street, with Rites of Committal and Interment to follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery, 2233 Robeson Street, all in Fall River, MA. Donations may be made in James' memory to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.