Calderone

Edward R. Calderone, 95, of Butler, peacefully passed away at his home the morning of Wednesday Aug. 7, 2024.

Born on Aug. 15, 1928, in Ganister, Blair County, he was the son of the late Angelo and Mary (Dometrovich) Calderone.

Ed was a graduate of the 1946 Class of Grove City High School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in Japan in 1949 where he played baseball. His military service baseball team was one of the first baseball teams to play against the Japanese in World War II.

After his military service, he returned home and began his minor league career in 1950 and played Class D Baseball for Nazareth of the North Atlantic League. He was promoted to Class C at Cornwall, Canada of the Canadian-Penn league. After developing a sore arm, he was demoted back to Class D KITTY League baseball in Owensboro, Ky. In 1952, he was promoted to Keouk, Iowa of the Class B Three-I League where he played against Rocky Colavito, Frank Thomas and Marv Throneberry, each of whom went on to play in the major leagues.

At 24 years old, he played his last season in the Cubs organization in 1953 in Savannah, Ga., in the Class A SALLY League. He returned home to Butler and helped form the Butler A’s who competed in the Tri-County League. He played with the A’s for five seasons and helped them win three league titles. After ending his playing career, he started umpiring. In 1964, he helped form the Butler County Umpiring Association, umpiring locally for many years. In 1993, he was proudly inducted into the Butler Area Sports Hall of Fame. Additionally, he enjoyed coaching his daughters’ basketball and softball teams.

In his spare time, he had a passion for playing golf with friends and family. He was employed at ARMCO, retiring after 31 years. He was a member of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church. Most of all, he will be remembered as a loving family man. He always enjoyed time spent with his wife, daughters and grandchildren, playing games in his backyard.

Ed is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Jane (Martino) Calderone, whom he married on Aug. 1, 1959; two daughters, Mary (Richard) Morando and Sherry (Ronald) Douthett, both of Butler; three grandchildren, Nicole (Michael) Lewis, Megan (Ryan) McCleary and Michael Morando; two great-granddaughters, Hannah and Grace; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings.

CALDERONE — A Catholic blessing service and burial for Edward R. Calderone, who died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, was held privately in Epiphany Catholic Cemetery.

The Young Family of WILLIAM F. YOUNG FUNERAL HOME, West Sunbury, has assisted his family with arrangements.

If desired, online condolences may be sent to www.williamfyoungfh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.