Obituary of Jasper A. Calandra, Jr.

Jasper Angelo Calandra, Jr. 1950 - 2025

Jasper Angelo Calandra Jr., 75, also known as “Jay”, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side at home on Friday, June 6, 2025. He was born in Rome, NY on March 28,1950, son of the late Jasper Calandra Sr. and Mary Parisi Root.

In his early years, he was co-owner, with his brother, of Jay’s Bike Shop. In the early 80s, he purchased a bus to drive local kids to race BMX bicycles which gave the local kids something to do. He served in the United States Navy, stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and was Honorably Discharged in 1975. He was involved in numerous business ventures, including Jay’s Towing, Jay’s Snow Plowing, and also helped manage several restaurants and establishments, alongside his beloved wife, Pam. Their endeavors included a pool hall, Rome Bowling Center (snack bar), Mohawk Lanes (snack bar), Cinderella’s Bakery, Lake Delta Concession, and Cinderella’s Satellite Grill. Simultaneously, he worked for 47 years at Revere Copper Products Inc. and eventually retired. Following his retirement, he drove heavy machinery and transported materials to assist his youngest son at Rizio and Calandra Plumbing & Excavation Inc.

Jay was happiest when he was with his loving wife (who passed in 2023), his children, extended family, and his special friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren when he watched them play sports and attended their school events. Most recently, he always looked forward to his Monday Lunch Dates and Wednesday Wing Night Adventures with his older grandchildren.

On July 13, 1974, Jay married his “Honey,” Palma (Pam) Campanaro. The two were partners in every sense of the word. Together they built a beautiful life, and raised three wonderful children; Jasper Calandra III, Jennifer Calandra, and Joseph Calandra. More than anything else in his life, Jay’s family was the prominent source of his pride.

Jay leaves behind many loved ones to honor and cherish his extraordinary legacy: his children, Jasper Calandra (Melissa Tibbits), Jennifer Calandra, and Joseph Calandra (Karrah DiMaggio); grandchildren Jasper IV, Nicholas, Giovanni, and Liliana Rose; his sister Karen Calandra and his brother Christopher Thomas (Elizabeth); sister-in-law Christy Colangelo Campanaro; several nieces and nephews, as well as several great-nieces, a great-nephew, and many cousins. Jay was predeceased by his parents, Jasper Calandra Sr. and Mary Root; his loving wife, Palma “Pam” Calandra, his in-laws, John and Angeline (Calandra) Campanaro; his siblings Dennis, Linda, and Toni Calandra; and his brothers-in-law John, David, and Roy Campanaro.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at: The Rome VA (Erica and Dr. Ali), Staff from Rome Health Emergency Department, as well as Am Care Ambulance Service.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd. Rome, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 East Dominick Street, Rome NY on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM, with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating, where Military Honors will be rendered at the conclusion of Mass. Private Entombment will take place in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Rome.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com