Robert Arthur Calcatera

Robert "Bob" Calcatera spent his life building things-projects, relationships, and plenty of laughter along the way. Bob's humor was nothing short of infectious. With a quick wit and perfect timing, he could take an ordinary moment and turn it into a story that left everyone doubled over in laughter. He had the rare gift of finding humor in the everyday. His jokes, one-liners, and playful observations had a way of echoing through a room. That joy-his ability to make hard work lighter and long days brighter-was what made Bob so deeply lovable.

After more than three decades with The Christman Company, Bob officially retired. Sadly, he passed away on August 20, 2025, in Holt, MI, leaving behind a legacy as sturdy as any structure he helped raise. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Dolores Calcatera, and his three brothers, Anthony, Mark, and Peter.

Bob's career began in the mid-1980s with Christman Constructors. He soon rose to become a superintendent with The Christman Company. His first project in that role was the Jackson Post Office, and from there his impact spread across Michigan, Georgia, and the Washington, D.C. area. Collectively, Bob contributed to more than 50 projects, including the Eastwood Towne Center (East Lansing, MI), Michigan State University Cyclotron, Metro Replacement Hospital, Emergent BioSolutions, Gerald R. Ford Airport Terminal, Meridian Hill Park Wall Restoration, Four Winds Casino, Lansing School District, TechSmith Headquarters (East Lansing), Corewell Health, and Oaklawn Hospital, where he concluded his Christman career.

Colleagues remember Bob as a steadfast and dedicated leader, someone who put the success of every project above all else. His "copper boost"-a mix of energy, encouragement, and Bob's trademark dry humor-became the stuff of legend. He was known for getting projects done on time, but more importantly, for making the people around him feel like they were part of something bigger.

While his professional contributions can be measured in buildings, schools, hospitals, and restored landmarks, Bob's true legacy lies in the relationships he established. He built more than projects-he built friendships, loyalty, and an endless supply of inside jokes that his friends and coworkers will be chuckling over for years to come.

Bob leaves behind his family and friends. Of all his accomplishments, nothing made him prouder than his son, Nicolas. He spoke often of Nicolas's talents and character, always with a smile that made it clear his greatest joy in life was being his dad. Bob is lovingly remembered by Nicolas and his former wife, Mary, who remained a presence in his life during his illness. Today, they honor his life through this remembrance.

Though he may no longer be here to give direction, offer a "boost," or sneak in one more one-liner, his work and his humor continue to stand tall. If heaven needed a superintendent, they just hired one of the best.

In keeping with Bob's wishes, no formal memorial service will be held.

Those who wish to honor his memory may do so by sending cards and condolences for his son, Nicolas, at the following address:

Nicolas Calcatera

c/o Palmer Bush & Jensen

5035 W. Holt Road

Holt, MI 48842

Friends are also invited to leave messages of sympathy and share memories on the funeral home's website at:

https://www.palmerbush.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Bob's legacy by making a gift to support Pulmonary Research at the University of Michigan. Contributions made through this link will help continue the impact Bob had on the world by advancing research that brings hope to others:

https://donate.umich.edu/QvzDG

University Development – University of Michigan

Pulmonary Research – 363723

3003 S. State St., Suite 9000

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1288