John Calandro died on August 4, 2024, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. John was born on October 20, 1938 in Detroit, MI. He was the eldest of three children. While studying at the University of Detroit, he was set up a date with Carolyn Hohman and a match made in heaven began.
He graduated from the University of Detroit with a degree in mechanical engineering. While working for the Detroit Armory, John did a brief research visit to Greenland and then traveled to Santa Barbara, California in 1961 after hearing about a job opportunity. He sent his fiancée, Carloyn, a postcard of palm trees and the Pacific, and she was immediately convinced to move there together. He and Carolyn married in 1962 and enjoyed their honeymoon on the cross-country move to Santa Barbara.
Over the course of his career, John worked at Delco Electronics, helped design the wheels for the Lunar Rover, and spent most of his career at the Santa Barbara Research Center until retiring as Engineering Manager at age 55. Blessed with 5 children and 9 grandchildren, he had an uncanny ability to calm his babies and grandchildren almost instantly by simply placing them on his chest. He drove his children to countless swim meets and practices at the Cathedral Oaks Tennis Club, and served as timekeeper wearing his signature white bucket hat before bucket hats were cool.
In John’s retirement, he and Carolyn enjoyed entertaining family and friends, traveling the world, attending live theater, and enjoying great food and drink. John was active locally at Vistas and Unico as he loved learning and his Italian heritage. After Carolyn’s death in 2017, John lived alone until moving to Vista Del Monte in 2022. There he met wonderful new friends, told stories, trained to be a Caring Companion, and enjoyed singing in the choir.
John’s wife of 55 years, Carolyn, predeceased him. He is survived by his daughters Lisa (Jo), Cathy (Jeff) and Michelle (Butch) and his sons John (Eileen) and David (Donna) and his brother David (Marybeth) and sister Paula (Jack). He is loved by his grandchildren Maggie, John, Kieran, Samantha, Max, Matthew, Miles, Nicolas and Ava. His family would like to thank all the doctors involved in his care and the nurses and staff at Cottage Hospital for the years of care they gave John and for extending his life. After one of his many heart surgeries, the surgeon came into the waiting room and told the family, “Your father has a big heart.” No one in the family was surprised by this information. We will miss his kindness, his stories, his terrible jokes and his love. The world has lost a truly good man who found the positive in every situation. He will be laid to rest at the Santa Barbara Mission.
John’s family suggests that all donations be made in John’s name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and in honor of Carolyn.
