Charles Calotta

Charles Joseph Calotta, a devoted family patriarch, decorated World War II and Korean War veteran,

accomplished corporate executive, and committed civic leader, passed away peacefully, surrounded

by his loving family. He was 99.

Born on February 22, 1926, in Bushwick, Brooklyn, to Calogero and Josephine (Leale), who

emigrated from Menfi, Sicily, Charles was drafted into the U.S. Army on the day of his high school

prom. He was sent to China during World War II, where he served under Generals Wedemeyer and

Marshall. He was awarded several Chinese military honors by Chiang Kai-Shek and the Bronze Star

Medal. He was later recalled to serve in Washington, D.C. under President Truman, during the

Korean War.

Following his WWII service, Charles returned home and met Lydia (Coltelli), the love of his life.

They married in 1951 and together raised nine children in a home filled with warmth, laughter, and

a deep commitment to family, faith, and service.

Charles earned his bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University and an MBA from New York

University. He built a distinguished career in corporate communications, holding executive roles at

Fairchild Publications, Texaco, W.R. Grace & Co., and the Avenue of the Americas Association. His

professional legacy includes the authorship of “200 Years in Pictures: The Avenue of the Americas”,

published before his retirement in 2002.

His public service was just as impactful. In Queens and later in Airmont, NY, Charles coached youth

sports teams, was elected to the Board of Trustees and then appointed Deputy Mayor of the Village

of Airmont, and co-founded the Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center. As president of the Sons of

Italy in America of Suffern, he launched an Italian Film Festival, led food drives, and supported

medical research. He also served as Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Suffern,

organizing many Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades and overseeing care for hospitalized

veterans. In 2006, the VFW Post received national recognition for its contributions under his

leadership.

Yet, Charles will be most lovingly remembered for the roles he cherished above all – loving

husband, Dad to their 9 children and “Pops” to their 24 grandchildren and their spouses and 13

great-grandchildren. He taught by example: the value of kindness, the dignity of hard work, and the

importance of joy. Whether making his famous “Pops panny-cakes,” or pizza, crafting homemade

pesto made with his and Lydia’s garden grown basil, or slicing wedges of Parmigiano Reggiano for

all to enjoy, Charles brought people together.

He was predeceased by Lydia, his beloved wife of many decades. He is survived by his nine children

and their spouses, 24 grandchildren and their spouses, and 13 great-grandchildren. He once said,

“My family has brought me years and years of happy times along with an unending supply of joy. All

else is secondary.” He ended every phone call with a simple, heartfelt phrase: “And love to all.”

In lieu of flowers please consider donations in the name of Charles Joseph Calotta to Honor Flight of Lower Hudson Valley and Suffern Free Library.