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BORN
1933
DIED
2025
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Mike Calabrese Obituary
May 5, 2025
WATERTOWN- Michele "Mike" Calabrese, 91, longtime resident and fixture of Watertown passed away Monday, May 5, 2025. He was the husband of the late Mary B. Calabrese.
Mike was born August 3, 1933, in Pontelandolfo, Italy to the late Francesco and Catarina (Mancini) Calabrese. He immigrated to the United States in 1948 at the age of 15. Mike lived in Waterbury in his early years in America and worked many different jobs to support himself and his family. Despite leaving Italy before finishing high school, Mike was able to earn his G.E.D. in 1951. Mike owned and operated Mike's Coffee Shop on Main St. in Watertown from March 17, 1960, until it was sold on January 11, 1988. In the mid 1970s, Mike also started the mobile Mike's Coffee Service, which he operated until his retirement in 2019. Mike was a member of the Watertown Golf Club for 53 years and was granted life membership a few years ago. He sponsored and supported various teams and activities in Watertown and was well known and highly regarded in the community. Mike was considered by many as an "unofficial mayor" of Watertown and will be greatly missed in town.
Mike is survived by his sons Michael J. Calabrese and his wife Lory of Greenville, SC and James F. Calabrese and his wife Paula of New Smyrna, FL; his longtime companion Marion Capizzi of Watertown; his grandchildren Michael Kelsey Calabrese, Jamey Calabrese, Rachel Calabrese, Austin Wells, Savanna Macaluso and Logan Macaluso; and his many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Church, 574 Main St., Watertown. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Those who wish to attend Monday morning are asked to meet directly at church. Friends are invited to call from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, May 11, 2025, at Hickcox Funeral Home, 195 Main St., Watertown.
The family appreciates the outpouring of condolences during this time but requests that people not send flowers. They ask that those who wish to honor Mike make a memorial donation in his name to Holy Disciples Parish, 21 Academy Hill, Watertown, CT 06795 instead.
For additional information or to leave an online message of condolence, please visit http://www.hickcoxfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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