James R. Calandra, beloved husband of Geraldine "Gerry" (Coyle) Calandra, passed away on Sunday, October 9th, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.  Born in Boston, he is the beloved son of the late Francesco and Marie (Soldano) Calandra.

James grew up in the North End of Boston and was a graduate of Charlestown High School.  He married the love of his life Gerry in 1963 and they raised their family in Arlington, where they lived for 40 years.  James took great pride in all he did, working until the age of 76.   He maintained a gorgeous vegetable garden and always enjoyed landscaping, and making his home well-groomed and welcoming.  James was a long distance runner and you could see him daily doing his nine mile runs.  He enjoyed trips to Marco Island, Florida and spending time on the beach.  He was a loving family man and a great friend to many.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew and enjoyed his company.

In addition to his wife Gerry, he is the devoted father of James Calandra, II and his wife Ruth-Anne and Deb Adams.  Cherished grandfather of Brittany Leal-Calandra, Andrew, Ethan and Dominic Calandra and Colin, Devin and Molly Adams. Loving brother of the late Jenny Melanson, Anna Abromawicz, Frank Calandra Jr. and Josephine Lamer.  He also leaves many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St. (Corner of Park St. and Rt. 28 at the Reading Line) on Saturday, October 15th, 2022 from 9 to 11am.  A funeral Service will follow in the funeral home at 11:00am.  Interment will be held at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Stoneham.

Memorial Donations may be made in James' Memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452 or online at www.alz.org.

For information, directions and to leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotafuneralhomes.com.