Peter P. Calabrese

Peter P. “Polka Pete” Calabrese, 90, a resident of Manor Care Health Services Pottsville, died Sunday morning at the Manor.

Born in Silver Creek February 5, 1927, he was the son of the late Charles and Rose (Notaro) Calabrese.

He was a graduate of the former Blythe Township High School where he played various sports.  He was a member of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Pottsville and a member of the former St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church.  He was also a member of the Middleport American Legion, the Black Diamond Navy Club, Minersville, and a former member of the Coal Cracker Polka Association.  In addition to his memberships he enjoyed bowling.

He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II.  He retired as a welder from the former Steco Trailer Sales, St. Clair.

Polka Pete was an avid dancer.  His proudest moment was when he won a Ballroom Dance Contest at Merv Griffin’s Resorts Casino in Atlantic City.  He was awarded a vacation at Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Marie (Pezzetti) Calabrese (1978); brothers Frankie and Mickey Calabrese; and sisters Jane Grant and Rose Belko. 

He is survived by his children Margaret Daniels wife of Robert, Pottsville; Peter Calabrese husband of Constance, Auburn; Rosemarie Jefferson wife of Kurt, Greenwood DE; and Daniel Calabrese husband of Charyl, Mechanicsburg.   He was affectionately known as “Pop” to his 9 grandchildren, Robert husband of Denise; Bryan husband of Kelly; Kristie wife of Daniel Fanelli; Alexandria; Kurt husband of Angela; Lindsey wife of Jeff Clark; Daniel husband of Nicole; Anthony husband of Theresa; and Nicholas husband of Danielle; and “Pop -Pop” to his 16 great-grandchildren, Kira, Dylan, Kaitlyn, Emily, Bryan, Caleb, Daniel, Sophia, Cole, Colton, Lila, Jase, Vincent, Dominic, Isabella, and Remington.

He is also survived by a brother Charles Calabrese, Palo Alto; sisters Mary Nazar, Middleport; JoAnne Palko, Pottsville; sister in law Helene Calabrese; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11AM Saturday December 30 at St. Patrick RC Church, Pottsville.   Family and friends are invited to pay their respects Saturday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 AM at the Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home 515 West Market Street Pottsville PA.  Interment with military honors will be held in St. Joseph RC Cemetery, Pottsville.

The family would prefer donations be made to Manor Care Activity Fund 420 Pulaski Drive Pottsville PA 17901.  Please visit www.schlitzerallenpugh.com to share a memory or leave a condolence for the Calabrese family.

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