Richard Lawrence Calligaro

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was greeted into Heaven by his wife, parents, and loved ones, on Monday, October 9, 2023, at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper, with his family at his side. At the age of 93 years.

The son of the late Guido “Guy” P. and Joy T. (Modolo) Calligaro, Richard was born on August 16, 1930, in Saginaw, Michigan. He graduated from Saginaw High School, with the class of 1949. Dick was a well-known superstar football player for the Saginaw High School Trojans. He proudly served in the United States Marines. On November 23, 1951, he achieved the rank of Corporal. He was Honorably Discharged on April 1, 1953 and married Dorothy L. Kirby on April 2, 1954. She preceded him in death on January 19, 2000. He worked as a Millwright until he retired from General Motors (Grey Iron Foundry) after many years of loyal and dedicated service. Dick was an outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He will fondly be remembered for his selflessness as he was very giving of his talents and helping others. Jack-of-all-trades; Dick enjoyed woodworking and completed many unique ad beautiful projects. He was passionate about sports, his first love being football, especially the Detroit Lions. Besides being an avid reader and watching sports on TV, Dick enjoyed watching documentaries about history. Above all, he cherished the time with his family and loved ones, especially his great-grandchildren.

Surviving are his daughter, son, and their spouses: Vickie and Pete Allen, Rick and Kelly Calligaro; grandchildren: Peter J. (Cheryl) Allen, Jr., Michael B. Allen, James R. Calligaro (Reina Flores), Stephanie (Abe) Fisk, Cody (Mechaela) Calligaro; and many great-grandchildren. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Dick was preceded in death by his wife and parents. Dick was also preceded in death by his son: Michael “Mike” Calligaro; and a brother: Gino (Angelina) Calligaro.

Honoring Dick’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2023, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48603. Rev. John Tousciuk will officiate with burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Military Honors will take place at the cemetery, under the auspices of the United States Marines and American Legion Post 22. Friends may visit the family from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral chapel on Monday. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to an American Legion. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the visitation, memorial service, or online at www.casefuneralhome.com.