Thomas F. Calabrese, 90, a lifelong resident of Lawrence, died peacefully Thursday, January 3, 2013 surrounded by his loving family at Lawrence General Hospital in Lawrence after a brief illness.
Thomas, son of the late Biagio and Rose (Casella) Calabrese, was born in Lawrence on June 28, 1922. He was educated in Lawrence public schools and graduated from Lawrence High School, class of 1940. He studied Criminal Justice at Northern Essex Community College and was a Police Officer in the City of Lawrence for 32 years prior to his retirement.
Mr. Calabrese served our country in the United States Army during World War II. He fought in the Battle of Normandy and was honorably discharged in 1945. He was an enthusiastic fan of all the New England Sports teams and is best remembered for the love and devotion he shared with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He took great joy in participating in all of their activities and gatherings, especially Italian Sunday dinners at home.
Thomas will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 65 years, Mary “Irene” (Borrelli) Calabrese; two daughters, Carolyn R. Compton and her husband Brad of Salem, NH and Marie A. Hittinger and her husband Doug of Middleton; six grandchildren, Kristen Cook and her husband Don of Danville, NH, Martha Compton of Austin, TX, Rebecca Koerber and her husband Timothy of Alliance, OH, Thomas B. Compton of Boston, MA, Douglas T. Hittinger of Newbury, MA and Tara L. Reed and her husband Jason of Wilmington, MA; four great grandchildren, Noah Cook, Maia Cook, Brenna Koerber and Katie Irene Koerber and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Thomas’ life by gathering for his Funeral Service in the KENNETH H. POLLARD FUNERAL HOME, 233 Lawrence St., Methuen on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 10 AM. Deacon John Pierce will officiate. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Lawrence. Friends will be warmly received in the funeral home from 2-6 PM Sunday, January 6, 2013. To share a condolence with the Calabrese family, please visit us online at www.pollardfuneralhome.com or at Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home on Facebook. Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Methuen is honored to assist the Calabrese family with arrangements.