Bobbie Calandro

Bobbie R. Calandro passed away June 16, 2022, nine days shy of his 96th birthday. He joined the United States Navy in 1943, serving two tours of duty In World War II. He retired from the Baton Rouge Fire Department after working for 32 years. He was an avid rabbit hunter and took great pride in his beagles, hunting with life-long friends, Ray Ricks and the late Paul McCoy, Joe Pertuis, and his brothers-in-law Tony and Joe Santangelo. It was really special listening to daddy and some of his hunting buddies re-hash “the hunt”. Oh, the stories they could tell! Something he really enjoyed were field trials with his good friend, Melvin Bihm where many of their nationally known beagle hounds won 1st place. They spent many days together, training the dogs, hunting and working field trials. But his time in the woods running dogs and hunting with son, Tommy, was his greatest joy. Special times hunting with Tommy, their friends and grandson Brett, will remain cherished memories by all who had the privilege of spending time with him. A devoted husband to the love of his life, Lena Santangelo Calandro, they celebrated 56 years of marriage, until she passed away in 2007.  He took great joy in coaching his two oldest girls’ softball team for 10 years, as well as attending his baby daughter’s college softball games, his son’s football games, Olympic trials and the 1984 Olympics, where his son competed. He was a loving and caring father and is survived by his children, Debbie Calandro Carmichael (Brian), Bobbie Calandro Hayes (Kelly), Tommy Calandro (Michele) and Jackie Calandro. He delighted in and is survived by grandchildren, Jeanne Carbo (Troy), Robyn Alford (Gary), Brett Curtis (Val), Lori Springman (Josh), Stacy & Leigh-Ann Curtis, Royce Martin (Alli), Kelley Calandro, Lauren Calandro McDougal (Devin), and Jacob Thomas. He is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. They will be forever grateful to their grandfather for his presence in their lives. He is preceded in death by his mother & step-father, Manual & Inez Hartman Roppolo, and special cousin, Helen Howze. Visitation will be held at Resthaven Gardens of Memory and Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Monday, June 20, 2022 from 12:30 PM with funeral service starting at 2:30 PM, with burial to follow. Pallbearers will be Brett Curtis, Royce Martin, Brian Carmichael, Mike Santangelo, Melvin Bihm, Steve Celestin, and Randy McCoy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the charity of your choice.