John W. Calligandes, 78, a longtime resident of Manchester, died Monday at the Catholic Medical Center. Born in Cambridge, MA to the late George P. and Mary (Zefferino) Calligandes, Mr. Calligandes was a graduate of Cambridge High and Latin and worked for the family business, Friendly’s Cafeteria, as a cook and waiter as a youngster.
He served his country proudly in the United States Navy, aboard the USS Newport News during the Korean War era. After his honorable discharge, John attended and graduated Boston University, earning his Liberal Arts degree. He then went on to work for Lincoln Labs in Bedford, MA as a Systems Analyst, later working for Interactive Data in Waltham. He went on to open a data center in San Francisco, was promoted and became the Data Center Manager in New York, NY, retiring in 1988 after 19 years of service with the company. John was the beloved lector and Eucharistic minister at Blessed Sacrament Church and St. Marie’s, both in Manchester. He loved his family, reading and writing poetry, the Boston Red Sox, music, sports and politics. He was famous for his fudge. Mr. Calligandes was a true historian. He knew American history and could recite many of our most famous historical documents verbatim. He was an extremely spiritual man who instilled the importance of church and family in all he met. He led his children and grandchildren by example and what it was like to be a hard working and well respected father. He was a lion of a man.
John was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years, Carol (Clark ) Calligandes in 2006. He leaves his 7 devoted children, Susan Calligandes of Manchester, Carol Grover of Willimantic, CT, John “Jack” Calligandes of Derry, NH, Michael D. Calligandes of Manchester, Mary Meyer of Derry, NH, Andy Kaligandis of Webster, NH and George Calligandes of Londonderry, NH. He also leaves his 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, his siblings, Helene Purtell of Chelmsford, MA, Theresa Calligandes of Wakefield, MA, Alyce Suss of Moraga, CA, and George Calligandes of Wakefield, MA. Mr. Calligandes was predeceased by his brother, Peter Calligandes and sisters, Mary and Eloise Calligandes.
The funeral Mass was held Friday June 25, 2010 at 10:00am at the Blessed Sacrament Church, 14 Elm St., Manchester, with the interment in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Donations in memory of John may be directed to the St. Anthony’s Food Pantry, 14 Elm St., Manchester, NH. 03103.