Claude W. "Cal" Ladner, 75, of Wareham and Fort Myers, Fla., died April 25, 2004, at Blaire House in New Bedford following a lengthy illness.He was the husband of the late Helen "Hoovey" (Gifford) Ladner.
Born in Somerville, the son of the late Arthur and Emily (Martin) Ladner, he was raised and educated in Cambridge.
Afflicted with polio as a young child, he overcame many physical obstacles to become a professional entertainer. In addition to the famous acrobat abilities he developed over the years at the Cambridge Boys and Girls Club, Mr. Ladner also gained recognition as a vocalist, comedian and Master of Ceremonies. He traveled across the United States, Canada and Japan, sharing the stage with many notable entertainers such as Nat King Cole, The Lennon Sisters, The McGuire Sisters, Louis Armstrong and The Mills Brothers. He also made television appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, Captain Kangaroo and "You Asked for It."
Mr. Ladner was the former owner of the Hotel Onset, and the popular nightclub Cal's Caper in Wareham which he and his wife built and operated. In 1978, he established Cal Claude Entertainment Agency in Fort Myers, Fla. His later years were spent in Mattapoisett.
He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.
Survivors include his children, Willene S. Mann of New Bedford, Kathryn Lake of Wareham, Cliff Wilson of Fort Myers, Fla. and Tennessee, Candace G. Steele of Tewksbury, and Jennifer A. Rusinoski, and her husband Walter, of Mattapoisett; a sister, Helen Nagel of Dover, NH; a brother, Hugh Ladner, and his wife Bea, of Westboro; 13 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In accordance with his wishes, the burial of his cremated remains will be private. Donations in his memory may be sent to The Shriners Hospital for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.