What’s in a name? John. Johnny. Geronimo. Dad, Grandpa, Bumpa.  Husband, Brother, Uncle, Friend. He was known as them all. It is with a heavy heart that we share John Calabrese has been called home.

John Calabrese was born January 25, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois.  After serving his country in the United States Army, John met the love of his life, Marie, in 1974.  They would go on to have Tony (Christy), Mark (Angela) and Angela (Ernie) who would give them eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild with another one on the way.  His kids and grandchildren, Bellaccina (Andrew) Bigelow and James Bigelow, Allison, Jonathan, Nikolas and Elizabeth Calabrese, and Henry, Anthony, and Amelia Clark, were his greatest joy.

From MaMa Mia’s to Lear Siegler, to Michigan Works! to Big Brothers Big Sisters, John never met a stranger, yet he was most at home in his role as President of the Village of Hersey, serving until 2016.  John leaves behind throngs of friends who mourn his loss.

We are so blessed that John lived a long, bountiful life, and greeted death knowing he would be united with his Savior. John was a self-avowed mama’s boy, who missed his mom and looked forward to the day he would see her again.  That day finally came Christmas Day, December 25, 2025.  In addition to being reunited with his beloved mother, Adeline, he looked forward to seeing his brothers, Anthony, Bill, Frank, and his brother-in-law Bob, who along with his father, Antonio, preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister, Laurain (Bob) Beitner. Along with many nieces and nephews who were dear to his heart. 

John was loved by all and will be greatly missed by his community, but most of all he’ll be missed by those he treasured most: his family.

In lieu of flowers the Calabrese family ask that you raise a glass of vino or sip a Martini in memory of “Big” John.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Pruitt-Livingston Funeral Home in Reed City.  The funeral will be held at Liberty Baptist Church located at 485 Old US Hwy 131, Reed City, MI 49677, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, with military honors.  Visitation at the church on Wednesday will take place from 11:00 am until time of services.