DALTON, MA – Anthony J. Calabrese, 82, Retired Chief of the Dalton Police Department, of 194 East Street, Dalton, died Thursday, January 2, 2014, at his home. Born in Pittsfield on January 17, 1931, the son of Paolo A. and Natalina Rosati Calabrese, he was educated in Dalton schools and was a 1949 graduate of Dalton High School.Mr. Calabrese later attended Berkshire Community College where he was enrolled in the Police Science Program. He earned certification in Crime Scene Science and Photography, Narcotics Investigation and Search Warrants, and Firearms. A Korean War veteran, Mr. Calabrese was inducted into the United States Marine Corps on March 24, 1952. As a corporal, he served a year and a half tour of duty overseas, and was honorably discharged on March 23, 1954, having earned the Korean Service Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the National Service Medal. He then transferred to the United States Marine Corps Reserve and served until March 23, 1960. For a few years following his military duty, he worked as a carpenter.
On March 10, 1964, Mr. Calabrese was appointed to the Dalton Police Department where he served as a patrolman. He was promoted to Sergeant in June 1969. In April 1978, Mr. Calabrese was appointed Chief of Police and served until his retirement on January 27, 1985. He was a member of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. Mr. Calabrese was a communicant of St. Agnes Church. He was a member of the Benjamin F. Sullivan Post 155 of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9566, both in Dalton, as well as the Marine Corps League. He enjoyed hunting and target shooting.
Mr. Calabrese’s wife, the former Mary C. Hogan, whom he married May 31, 1966, in Blessed Sacrament Church in Holyoke, died June 21, 2010. He is survived by four nieces, Kathleen A. Hogan-Friguglietti of Westfield, Anne Bray of Westfield, Marie F. Hogan of Holyoke, and Judy M. Hogan of West Springfield; four grandnieces and four grandnephews and two great grandnieces.
Funeral services for Anthony J. Calabrese will be held Wednesday, January 8, at 10:30 a.m. from Dery-Foley Funeral Home with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., at St. Agnes Church celebrated by Rev. Christopher A. Malatesta, Pastor. Burial, with police department and military honors will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours will precede the service from 9:30 to 10:30 at the Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Anthony J. Calabrese will be held Wednesday, January 8, at 10:30 a.m. from Dery-Foley Funeral Home with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., at St. Agnes Church celebrated by Rev. Christopher A. Malatesta, Pastor. Burial, with police department and military honors will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours will precede the service from 9:30 to 10:30 at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elder Services of Berkshire County, earmarked for the “Meals on Wheels” program, in care of Dery-Foley Funeral Home, 890 East Main Street, Dalton.
