Bernard "Bernie" Caliendo

Met Bernie when we were in grade school, and we were bothered hooked on drumming. We joined the Saint Gabe's Pipe and Drum Corps under the guise of John Mooney. The kicker was that we signed up for a Fife and drum corps. Pipes meant bagpipes! For 3 years, we faithfully attended Saturday practices and always promised a spot in the band. Well, there were too many snare drummers, so Mooney offered us a new position, that of playing the "dishmops" ... bass drum sticks covered in yarn sleeves ... the catch being that we were to flip those sticks in midair and then hit our attached drum. We both took the positions and went from grade school through high school "playing" with those dishmops. By the time we left, we were being paid $1 for each performance. Our biggest, greatest gig was marching in the Springfield St. Patrick's Day Parade. As we approached the viewing stand, NBC went to commercial. Monday morning arrived and our friends wanted to know just why we were not on the show. When we told them, we faced mega-teasing. Through it all, Bernie faced the ribbing with his great sense of humor and aplomb. He was a good friend and a good drummer. Probably taking over the percussion section in God's great orchestra. Rest in peace,friend, because you earned it. Joe Cezus

My deepest condolences to Bernie´s family.
My name is Jim Vozzolo, I grew up in Windsor and had the pleasure of knowing Bernie. My most recent contact with Bernie since high school was on the high school reunion committee. His demeanor hadn´t changed over the past 50 years. We joked and asked each other where did the time do?
RIP Bernie, you will be missed.

With deepest sympathy during this time of difficulty.