Augusta, GA---LTC Dennis A. Calamas, U.S. Army Ret. Completed his triumphant journey on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at University Hospital.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church with Father Michael Monos and Father Vasile Bitere officiating. Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery.
LTC Calamas was born in Augusta, GA and attended Houghton Grammar School, Richmond Academy, Augusta Junior College and Georgia Institute of Technology (GA Tech). He received his Infantry Officer Commission from the Ft. Benning Officer School. LTC Calamas graduated from Officer Communication School and Officer Radar Course at Ft. Monmouth, NJ and was assigned to the 24th Infantry Division, 19th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Battalion. He took part in the liberation of the Philipine Islands under Genereal Douglas McArthur’s command. At the conclusion of WWII, he participated in the occupation of Japan and was awarded thirteen medals including the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Unit Citation from the American and Philipine governments. LTC Calamas participated in the Korean Conflict serving as an Artillery Battery Commander and Battalion Communication Officer. LTC Calamas has been a lifelong member of the Military Officers of Association of America (MOAA). Following his military career he founded and operated Calamas Television Company. LTC Calamas was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, where he served as Parish President, Sunday School teacher teaching adults and teens for fourteen years, Chairman of Construction of the Hellenic Center, established the Orthodox Church library and book store, served as Chairman of the Byzantine Installation Committee. He also organized an after Church coffee hour, printed the first Church bulletin and served as Chairman of bus tours to religious forums. He was three times President of AHEPA and a recipient of St. Michael’s Medal, presented by the Metropolis of Atlanta.
Dennis was a faithful servant of Christ’s church. He was tireless in his hope and constant in his prayer to bring the Orthodox Church to the knowledge of all. This was especially evident in his work as the originator and manager of the parish book store. His zeal for education of Orthodox faithful is remarkable in its single mindedness.
LTC Calamas was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Louise Crafton Calamas.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary Manuel Calamas, son and Frank Calamas and wife Bobbie, all of Augusta, GA daughter, Katherine Wagy and husband Jim of Atlanta, GA, two grandsons, Jason Wagy of Atlanta and Jonathan Wagy and wife Julanne, great grandson, Everett Wagy and great granddaughter, Jacqueline Wagy, all of Washington, DC and his sister, Jessie Calamas McDonald of Augusta.
The family will receive friends at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church from 10:00 am until the hour of services. A Trisagion will be conducted at the church, before the funeral service begins.
Pallbearers will be Basil Manuel, Johnny Manuel, Jonathan Wagy, Jason Wagy, David Utley and Mark Utley.