Robert Thomas Calzaretta

Robert Thomas Calzaretta, 88, died Saturday, March 25, 2023. He was born on December 30, 1934, in Jersey City, NJ, the son of the late Francis “Frank” and Julia (Drennon) Calzaretta.

Bob joined the Navy Reserves at the age of 17 and was enlisted for 8 years. He attended St. Peter’s College in NJ. Bob spent 35 years in the scientific/engineering side of the computer industry. He spent most of his early career in the development of computer stores and forward message switching communication systems, providing systems to Western Union, Western Union International, International Telephone and Telegraph as well as, WorldCom Communications Systems. He assisted in the development of a product for IBM that resulted in sales to every U.S based airline. He was co-developer of a reservations system used for travel agents utilizing one terminal to establish airline, hotel, and auto reservations. Bob spent most of his later career working with Military Prime Contractors providing computer systems to the Marine Corps, Army programs, and MIT Lincoln Lab Radar Systems for the U.S. Air Force. His last assignment was working with AEGIS, a Navy Radar Weapons System for Destroyers and Cruisers.

After retirement, Bob joined the Red Cross of NJ in their Disaster Management Department. He single handedly took over their fleet of 18 vehicles to inspect them and make sure all vehicles were ready in the event of a disaster. In 2010, he was the New Jersey Coast Chapter’s volunteer of the year logging in more than 150 days of service. As a member of the Disaster Lead Team and Disaster Action Team, Bob worked in shelters helping people whose homes were destroyed by storms and fires. He also served as a Government Liaison Officer for the organization. He took countless training classes and was especially fond of working on the Red Cross feeding trucks that went out to feed people during disasters. In 2012, he moved from NJ to NH to be closer to his youngest daughter and joined the Red Cross of NH. He was a volunteer with the Red Cross for 10 years and volunteered for CASA in NH.

Bob was a communicant of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Bedford, NH, and enjoyed volunteering at church events, cooking in the kitchen.

He also enjoyed reading, traveling, gardening and cooking. He loved to take cooking classes and try out his new recipes for his friends and family.

Above all, Bob loved his family and friends. He would never hesitate to help someone in need and was always ready to lend a helping hand or an encouraging word of wisdom. He will be remembered for his kind heart and contagious laugh.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his eldest daughter, Eileen Walker in 2004.

He is survived by his son, Robert Calzaretta Jr. and his wife, Laurie; daughter, Lauren Lambert and her husband, Anthony; granddaughter, Lisa Walker; granddaughter, Alex Calzaretta; grandson, Robert Calzaretta III; granddaughter, Lyla Lambert; grandson, Logan Lambert; great granddaughter, Tiffany Bankes; and great granddaughter Hailey Bankes.

SERVICES: A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 11:00AM at St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, 190 Meetinghouse Road, Bedford, NH 03110. Family and friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution on Bob’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online.