Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Simply put Father Joe was important to me, he has taught and mentored me throughout my life. I was fortunate to be a freshman at Saint Francis when he was a young new teacher. Fr. Joe was my teacher, coach, mentor and ultimately my friend. I was in his class 3 of my 4 years in school. I played baseball for him; he heard every one of my confessions in high school. When HS was over, Fr. Joe helped me as I entered the military, He wrote me while I was deployed. He married me to my bride. When I became a father and then a head baseball coach Fr. Joe was there again to recommend the books I needed to read and answer my questions. We sent Christmas cards to each other, we talked and texted during baseball games as fans of division rivals for over 30 years. I made sure I bugged him every leap day on his birthday. I’m so grateful to have had such a man in my life. I am blessed that he took the time to keep in touch with me all these years. I am deeply saddened by his passing; I will miss him terribly. Father Joe thank you for being the priest, coach, leader and teacher that impacted my entire life. I hope I made you proud, rest in peace. Pax et Bonum! Joe Calveric SFHS 92.
