Carl Calabrese
June 10, 1922 ~ September 19, 2013
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Carl Calabrese, 91, of Asheville, died Thursday, September 19, 2013 at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
Born June 10, 1922 in Reading, PA, he was the son of the late Francesco Antonio Calabrese and Maria Segario Calabrese, both of Auletta, Italy. Carl was also preceded in death by his wife, Gracelyn Ruth Cole Calabrese, as well as several brothers and sisters.
Carl served in the US Army's 11th Airborne Division, 511th Parachute Infantry. Seriously injured in a parachute jump, he came to Asheville on a medical troop rail car to Moore General Hospital in Swannanoa. He said when they carried his stretcher from the train, he looked up at the mountains surrounding him and vowed he was never leaving this beautiful place, and he didn't. While hospitalized here, he met his beloved "Ruthie", fell in love at first sight and married her in less than three weeks. They were married 63 years and he lovingly cared for her for 10 years while she was seriously ill, until her death in 2010. He was the former president of Biltmore Truck and Brake Company as well as a dealer for White Motor Company.
He is survived by two daughters, Carla C. Taylor and her husband, Larry, of Asheville and Kathy C. Rector and her husband, Ron, of Asheville; three grandchildren, Stephanie Taylor Harris and her husband, Tim, of Asheville, Tara Rector Bradley of Hickory and Heath Rector of Candler; three great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Tristan Harris and Caleb Bradley; one sister, Concetta Calabrese Hagenbuch of Essex, MD as well as a very special neighbor, Wylie Smith of Asheville.
At Carl's request, burial will be private, however, it was his desire that all his family and friends remember him by loving and cherishing their families.
In lieu of flowers, the family graciously asks that you consider a memorial contribution in Carl's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38015 (www.stjude.org) or to a charity of your choice.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
Carla and Kathy I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much Carl and Ruth loved you girls. He was such a wonderful, sweet man. You will be in our prayers and thoughts.
Carla,
I am so sorry about your dad. Just want you to know that I am thinking of you. If I can help in any way please let me know.
We want you all to know how much we love them they were the kindest people they had hearts of gold they will be missed so very much just rember they are in no pain and will be looking down on us I will be praying for the family If y’all need me I am here for you all love kim
Dearest Kathy , Ronnie and Tara,
The obituary regarding your father was so beautiful! His love for Your mother and each of you Is evident. I am sure that you will miss him so very much! I will be praying for your comfort.
In loving honor of your father, I will pray that my love increases for my fellow man as I Live each day! Jan Young
Dearest Kathy , Ronnie and Tara,
The obituary regarding your father was so beautiful! His love for Your mother and each of you Is evident. I am sure that you will miss him so very much! I will be praying for your comfort.
In loving honor of your father, I will pray that my love increases for my fellow man as I Live each day! Jan Young
Cathy, Carla & Families
We are so sorry for the loss of Carl as your Father and a great Brother-In-Law to us. We will miss him deeply and our prayers are with you. He was a very special member of the Cole family and we loved him dearly and thankful for his love of our sister.
We are all very sorry to hear about your Dad. We all loved him and He was such a good friend. He will be missed but we know he is with your Mom and waiting on the rest of us to get there. Love you all!
Larry and Tim I am really sorry to read about Mr Calabrese my condolences with you and all your family. your golfing friend charlie
Although the time I spent with Mr Calabrese & his family was brief it was more than enough to understand what a warm and compassionate man he was. Surrounded by a loving and supportive family he clearly lead a rich and rewarding life. I am truly sorry for your loss and feel fortunate to have met him. The families dedication to Mr Calabrese has been an inspiration. I will not soon forget your kindness. All the best. Jake Haun III ER Nurse at the VA
DEAR CATHY AND FAMILY, I DONT KNOW IF YOU WILL REMEMBER ME,I REMEMBER YOUR FATHER HAS A SWEET SPAGETTI MAN , ALL MY LOVE PENNY
Kathy,
I was so saddened to learn of your precious Dad’s passing. Please know that you and Karla along with your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Fondly,
Pat
Kathy,
I was so saddened to learn of your precious Dad’s passing. Please know that you and Karla along with your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Fondly,
Pat
Carla & Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. It sounds like your dad was a very special person, and we know you’ll miss him!
Carla and Kathy & family
My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Carl was one of the sweetest & kindest people I have ever known.
Love to all of you.
Carla & Cathy,
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. He was a sweet man and we loved him.
I always ran into him in to him in the grocery store. And Larry would take him fresh fish and greens from the garden.
We are making a donation in his name to the Autism Society of NC, Asheville Chapter.
Amy was sad too, but she always says He or She is up in Heaven now. She made him a card and I would like to send it to you.
If you would send me you addresses I would like to send you cards. Just use the e-mail address or call me at 298-0334. I don’t have your numbers.
Love and prayers,
Jane