Joseph Calleri

Joseph John Calleri, 80, of Lake Wales, FL, passed away Sunday July 13, 2014 with his family by his side. He was born in Buffalo, NY on May 17, 1934 to Jospehine and Ingnatius (Jack) Calleri. Joe graduated from Bennett High School and attended the University of Buffalo. He was a Private First Class and medic in the US Army based at The Merrell Barracks in Nurnberg Germany during the Korean War. Having a passion for flying airplanes, Joe took advantage of the G.I. Bill to complete flight training following his service in the Army. His flying career spanned 5 decades holding positions as a flight instructor, corporate pilot for Upjohn Corp., and commercial pilot for Ozark Airlines. He spent the majority of his career, 29 yrs., at American Airlines retiring as a Captain on the Boeing 727. Other passions were playing, coaching and watching hockey, golf and water skiing. His easy going demeanor and ability to talk to anyone allowed him to call any stranger a friend. He is survived by his children Peter Calleri (Anita), Jennifer Schwenk (Brendan Cantwell), grandchildren Peter Jr, Anthony, and Dominick Calleri, brother John Calleri and sister Jackie Dalton. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday July 18 at 11:00 am at St. Sebastian Catholic Church where the family will receive friends one hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Rd., Oshkosh, WI 54902, www.eea.org.