Brian Joseph Calabro

September 13, 2024

Brian Joseph Calabro, 62, of Olyphant, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 13, 2024. He is survived by his beloved wife, the former Julie Zinskie. Together they shared 37 years of marriage, a bond that began in middle school with their first motorcycle ride on his dirt bike and grew into a lifelong partnership. Their love and devotion to each other were an inspiration to everyone around them.

Raised in Archbald, he was the son of the late Joseph and Jean Simansky Calabro. Brian later settled in Olyphant, where he embarked on a journey to construct his own home with his father, a project he completed with pride.

Brian graduated from Valley View High School and later Johnson College, where he earned an associate's degree in carpentry and cabinetmaking technology. Brian was a skilled carpenter who spent his career working on a wide range of projects in the community. Self-employed for over 30 years, his skills were sought after for many projects, including new home construction, home renovations, architectural decking, roofing, bathroom remodels, fine cabinetry as well as other unique and custom jobs. His attention to detail and dedication to his craft left a lasting impression on those he worked for and with over the years. He was always available to help his friends on their projects, including his neighbors, his friend, Joe, and most recently, was working with his good buddy, Steve, to help renovate his childhood homestead for his daughter. Julie always told his customers if Brian couldn't do what they asked, no one else could.

He cherished his family deeply and in his free time, Brian and Julie took many rides on his motorcycle through Lackawanna and Wayne counties and could be found fishing at his favorite spots almost every Saturday with his cousin, Guy. He had a standing weekly phone call with his childhood friend, Jimmy, where they discussed all kinds of topics, including family, finances and politics. Wednesday and Friday date nights were a regular thing for Julie and Brian, spending nearly all of them at Colarusso's Coal Fired Pizza and Happy Valley Sports Bar, both in Dickson City. He enjoyed his annual family trips after the holidays to South Beach Miami, Key West or the Bahamas. Part of his Sunday routine was a visit to Wegmans with Julie followed by coffee and conversation with their friend, Lenny. His other favorite things to do were walking around Merli-Sarnoski Park with his family and tending to his beautiful garden. His garden was known far and wide with people coming from all over to tour it and always leaving with a bag of freshly picked vegetables. In addition, his love of flowers, especially roses, could be found around various areas in the yard. He also took great pride in being a Little League coach when his son Bryan was growing up, sharing not only his love for the game but also the importance of hard work and teamwork.

As every good Italian, Brian loved to cook and eat. Throughout the years, he would always have dinner ready for when his family came home from work and school. During the summer months, he would cook using fresh vegetables from his garden. On Sundays, he was known for making pasta with his world-famous tomato sauce, made from the tomatoes he grew each year. He instilled the importance of love of food in his children, particularly Olivia, who continues to carry on many of his traditions and words of advice in the kitchen.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Bryan and wife, Sasha, Leesburg, Va.; a daughter, Olivia, Philadelphia; sisters, Gwen Vosburg (Randy), Dickson City; Nadine Harvey (Walter), Springville; brother, Dion (Terry), Archbald; sister-in-law, Debbie Andzulis (Dave); brothers-in-law, Mark Zinskie and partner, Krista Wildman; Andrew Zinskie, Harry Zinskie (Kathleen), Olyphant; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a special aunt, Aunt Nancy, with whom he shared a close lifetime relationship and many laughs, as well as numerous friends and customers who became friends over the years. He was adored by his wife and children, and his passing leaves a void that cannot be filled.

Brian's legacy of love, dedication and craftsmanship will live on through his family and the many lives he touched. Please join us in remembering his remarkable life and many memories left behind.

A viewing will be held Wednesday evening at the Rapoch Semian Funeral Home Inc., 420 Church St., Archbald, from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, 10 a.m. at Christ the King Parish, 429 Church St., Archbald. Interment will follow in Saint Thomas Aquinas Cemetery.

Please visit www.rapochfuneralhome.com to share memories or extend condolences.