Joseph Calamari

The Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mr. Joseph Calamari, age 84 who passed away on Monday, January 28, 2013.

Mr. Calamari was born on Friday, December 28, 1928 in Jersey City, New Jersey. A son of the late John & Nellie (Mead) Calamari. Joe was a Vietnam veteran. He had an extensive military career in the United States Army earning numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star medal. He retired after 20 years of dedicated service at the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was known by many people around Blairsville from his work as " Joe the bag boy" at Ingles Supermarket. He loved serving people and people loved him. Joe enjoyed road trips. Armed with a quick wit and great sense of humor, it wasn't hard for him to find a traveling companion. He followed Braves Baseball with a passion and loved old western movies. He was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes Schulker Calamari; parents; and four brothers.

Joe will be fondly remembered by all who knew him but especially missed by his family: daughter & son-in-law, Jo Linn & Mike Bingle; daughters, Phyllis Nagel and Patricia Hosack; sister, Jean Gunther; grandchildren, Kimberly Tatum, Kelly Belloise, Robert Hosack, Jr., Brendan Hosack, Scott Hosack, Tyler Bingle and Brandon Bingle; and 9 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2013 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Hoibraten officiating. Special music will be provided by Renee Morgan and Kelly Belloise. Interment will follow in Union Memory Gardens with full military honors presented by the United States Army Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 until the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or call (877) 958-2233.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville.