Frank Nick Calandra, age 85, a lifelong resident of Monroe, passed away at 8:32 a.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Born March 26, 1940, in Monroe, he is the son of the late Frank J. and Clara J. (Cocozza) Calandra. Frank attended Lincoln School and Monroe Catholic Central High School, graduating in 1959.
He was a standout athlete, playing football and basketball, and achieved Most Valuable Athlete in track in his senior year.
In 1961, he married Marcia Jago, his high school sweetheart. They spent 64 wonderful years together.
He was a member of the Monroe Knights of Columbus, NRA, Monroe Rod and Gun Club, and the Italian American Club.
Most of his activities were centered around family and friends. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, played on softball teams, bowled on league teams, and later developed a love for golf. Many summers were spent camping, riding his motorcycle, and going to breakfast and lunch with “the guys”. Holidays centered around traditions with the family, and he loved to spend afternoons in his favorite chair watching cowboy and war movies.
He and Marcia would travel to Florida for winter, but frequently visited Colorado and Delaware to see family. They went on an unforgettable trip to Ireland with friends in 2011 and forgot to take pictures!
What he enjoyed most of all was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
To cherish his memory, Frank leaves his wife of sixty-four years, Marcia Calandra of Monroe; four children: Michael (Angela) Calandra of Sylvania, Ohio, Scott (Nicole) Calandra of Howell, Michigan, Tracy (Bob) Lindsey of Temperance, and Danielle Calandra of Milford, Delaware; seven grandchildren: Bobby (Sasha) Lindsey, Christopher (Sofai) Lindsey, Nicole (Michael) Byrd, Adam (Katie) Calandra, Hannah (Patrick) Gillen, Nicolas Calandra, and Adelyn Calandra; ten great-grandchildren: Vinny, Isla, Liam, Jack, Novella, Michael “Tre”, Lei, Mai, Christopher, and Frank.
Family and friends may visit from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Rupp Funeral Home, 2345 S. Custer Road, Monroe, MI 48161, where a scripture service will be led by Deacon Mike Stewart at 5 p.m., followed by a litany service led by the Knights of Columbus Monroe Council 1266. He will lie in state at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the church pastor, Rev. Fr. David Burgard, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Frank’s memory are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
Online condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.
