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Edward Calandro
Edward “Eddie” or “Ed” Calandro died unexpectedly of an anoxic brain injury on May 30, following a successful surgery. He was 78.
Eddie was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on November 28, 1944, the third son of three boys.
He liked to roam the streets of Bridgeport, engendering a wanderlust. To give his young life direction, Calandro joined the U.S. Army at 17. After his honorable discharge, he utilized the G.I. Bill to enroll in the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, under Director Sanford Meisner.
He supported himself by driving a New York City cab and as an usher at Madison Square Garden. While working there, he saw rehearsals of many famous entertainers, but his favorite was Leopold Stokowski conducting Ravel’s Bolero.
While in New York, Calandro became friends with anti-war brothers Phillip and Father Dan Berrigan. The three met frequently for raucous dinners at the home of Mother Jogues.
Eventually arriving in Southampton, and while working to finance his adventures, he met his future wife, Carolyn. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, he traveled the length and breadth of Central and South America, and the Great Plains of the United States studying the plight of indigenous peoples, particularly the Northern Cheyenne, as highlighted in his novel, “‘Skiriki.” He developed a deep regard for the country’s first conservationist, George Bird Grinnel, and had written his as yet unpublished biography.
Eddie and Carolyn Calandro married in 1973 in Southampton, where they operated a successful nightclub, the Hotel St. James, and where their son, Jamie, was born. Upon selling the business, they moved to Falls Village in 2000.
Calandro was known for his brilliant mind, his knowledge of sports (a lifelong Yankee fan-atic), his kindness, generosity, appreciation of the natural world, his ability to fix anything, and his devotion to family and friends, especially his three grandsons, according to his family.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Rose Calandro; brothers, Joseph and Ralph; and his nephew/godson, Robert Calandro.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn (Moore); son, Jamie and wife Dympna; three grandsons, Bryson, Brody, Beckham; nephews Mathew (Kelly) and Daniel; nieces Deborah and Christine, and their families. He also leaves behind his much loved little dog, Wookie/Wolfie.
A private celebration of life will be held for family and friends.
To honor his memory, donations may be made to his charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).
Staff Writer on Jun 23, 2023