Obituary of Joseph J. Calabucci

Age 92, died on Friday, December 2, 2016, surrounded by his family at his home on Keuka Lake, Penn Yan, NY, of complications related to various health issues. Joseph was born in Sayre, PA on July 13, 1924, the son of the late John and Maria (Fagiolo) Calabucci. In addition to his parents, Joseph was also predeceased by his siblings Quedo Calabucci; Secondo Calabucci; Angeline Calabucci; Lucy (Calabucci) Green; and Dominick Calabucci. Joseph graduated from Sayre High School and upon graduation at 17 years old he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where after basic training at Parris Island, SC, he served in the South West Pacific Theatre during World War II, 2nd Marine Division, 5th Amphibious Combat Unit. It was during the war that Joseph became a devout Catholic and made a commitment to never miss Sunday Mass, which he honored his entire life. After his honorable discharge from the Marines, Joseph enrolled at Rochester Institute of Technology where he studied printing using the G.I. Bill to assist in paying his tuition. After graduating from RIT in 1950, Joseph commenced a career that lasted 33 years at the Elmira Correctional Facility, where he was the Vocational Education Supervisor for the last 25 years of his employment. Joseph and Mary were very fortunate to spend many wonderful years in retirement at their summer home on Keuka Lake and at their winter home in Ponce Inlet, FL. Joseph will forever be recalled in stories told by his family and friends about his incredible sense of humor and mastery at playing practical jokes on people. The "Old Bull" will also be fondly remembered by all, especially his grandchildren, for his enduring love and devotion to his family throughout his life. Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary Virginia (Murphy) Calabucci of Penn Yan, NY, and their children Tina (Jeffrey) Bradshaw, Hobe Sound, FL; Michael (Florence) Calabucci, Loudonville, NY; Susan (Daniel) Flynn, Bradford, NY; and Dr. Karen (Barry) Fingar, Rochester, NY. Joseph is also survived by his grandchildren Dr. Matthew (Adrianna) Harris; Brian Harris; Andrew Bradshaw; Kyle Bradshaw; Laura Calabucci; Joseph Calabucci; Jennifer Flynn, Esq.; Sean (Jamie) Flynn; Kathryn Flynn; Timothy (Savannah) Flynn; Ryan Flynn; Meghan Flynn; Aaron Fingar; and Adam Fingar. In addition, Joseph's great-grandchildren Bryce Flynn; Liam Flynn and Greyson Harris survive him. It was Joseph's wish for no calling hours, but there will be a Mass of Christian Burial held at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 130 Oakwood Avenue, Elmira Heights, NY 14903, at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2016. Interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery, 623 Franklin Street, Elmira, NY 14904. The funeral arrangements are being handled by McInerny Funeral Home, 502 Water Street, Elmira, NY 14905. The family requests that donations be made to St. Jude's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or Notre Dame High School, 1400 Maple Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904.