Joseph Rogers Calabria

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Joseph Rogers Calabria, age 85, of Austintown OH, passed away at his home. He was born May 13, 1940, in Youngstown OH to Gene and Julia (Stefanich) Calabria. Joseph began his distinguished military career by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1956. In 1957, he joined the 11th Airborne Division in Germany after completing jump school. Following his Army service, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1967. He retired from military service in 1973. Throughout his military tenure, Joseph earned numerous commendations, including the Silver Star, Purple Heart with two gold stars, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with two stars, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two stars, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Combat Action Ribbon, Expert Rifle Badge, Parachute Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation. He was inducted into both the Ohio Military Hall of Fame and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. After retiring from the military, Joseph continued his commitment to public service as a police officer at Youngstown State University and later as a corrections officer for the state of Ohio. He retired from this second career in 2007. Joseph cherished time spent with his family and enjoyed fishing, playing cards, campfires, and sharing his love of weapons with those close to him. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Irene (Crago) Calabria; children Joshua of North Jackson and Brandy (Curtis) Stroup of Austintown; grandchildren Joseph, Justin, Vincent; and great-grandson Mateo. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons Joseph and Michael, and siblings James and Jean Davanzo. Memorial Service and family to receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in the Chapel in Green Haven Memorial Gardens, 3495 Canfield-Niles Road, Canfield, OH 44406, with Military Honors to immediately follow. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, Inc. Share memories and send condolences by visiting cremateohio.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Rogers Calabria, please visit our floral store.