Had he lived, today would be my father’s 100th birthday. On this day, I remember a kind and loving man who adored his family and lived life to the fullest. I will never forget his infectious laughter and often think of him when I hear a story that would have gotten him started. I only wish he could have lived to see his grandchildren become adults. He would have been so proud of them.
From his obituary:
Dr. Frank M. Calabria, 86, of Wendell Avenue, Schenectady, NY, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on October 20, 2010. Frank was born in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Ernesto and Rosina Calabria. He was predeceased by his brother, Ernest Calabria and sisters, Jacqueline Gomez and Antoinette Barkley. He met his beloved wife, Angela, of 54 years at the Byrnes & Swanson dance studio in Brooklyn while working as a ballroom dance instructor there. They have four children and nine grandchildren. His son, Carl and his wife, Jeanine reside in Concord, MA with their children, Kyle, Nicolai and Maya; son, Mark and his wife, Marie reside in Plymouth, MN with their children, Mario, Rory, Sophia and Rose; daughter, Alissa Quinn and her husband, John reside in Slingerlands, NY with their children, John and Rachel; and daughter, Mayela Harris and her husband, Stephen reside in Fuquay-Varina, NC. Frank graduated from City College with his bachelor’s in science degree and was accepted into the graduate program in clinical psychology. He received his Ph.D. at New York University. Frank began his career as a professor of psychology, teaching in the evening division at Russell Sage College for five years. He was a professor of psychology for 24 years at Union College and retired professor emeritus. He also maintained a private practice as a psychotherapist and was an author of two books, “Dance of the Sleepwalkers: The Dance Marathon Fad” and “Let it Be a Dance – My Life Story.” He served in WWII as an athletic instructor where he was decorated with a Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and American Theatre Service medal. He received an honorable discharge in 1946. Frank formed a body building club as a young teenager, after spending a year in a wheelchair. He was a teacher of ballroom dance at the local USO, Dance of America conventions and in various local studios. Frank played classical guitar and was an avid ballroom dancer for over 50 years.
