John "Jack" Calandra

John “Jack” Calandra, Country Club Road, Cresson passed away peacefully in his home on September 20, 2022. Born December 30, 1931, in Cresson, he was the son of the late Mary (Mucci) and Frank Calandra senior. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of sixty-six years, Genevieve “Jenny” (Hart) who died October 26, 2021; and his brother Frank Calandra Jr. who passed away on September 16, 2022.  He is survived by his six children: MaryAnn Shaw (Walter Shaw), Lilly PA; Paul Calandra (Maureen Maruca), Loretto, PA; Joan Calandra, Los Angeles, CA; Michael Calandra (Karen Cicero), Pittsburgh PA; Anthony Calandra (Tamara Batche), Alexandria VA; and Carol Lawrence (Bryan Lawrence), Leawood KS; plus ten grandchildren; Christopher Shaw (Susan), Jonathan Shaw (Amber), Samantha Hackenberg (Eric), Christina Companey (Shane), Mark Calandra, Alexis Calandra, John Robert “Dante” Calandra, Alexandria Lawrence, Mackenzie Lawrence, and Jack Lawrence and great-grandchildren William and Joseph Shaw; Marion, Lucas, and Kevin Hackenberg.

                                                                                                                                                            Jack’s priorities in life were his faith, his wife, and his family and his passions included business, golf, and his community. 

In 1955, Jack married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Genevieve Hart (2021). Jack and Jenny were happily married for 66 years and were blessed with six children. Jack and Jenny provided a loving and caring environment characterized by strong Christian values and a highly developed work ethic.  They were committed to their family, community, and careers which had a profound influence on the individual successes of each of their children

Jack was the president and owner of Cresson Steel Company, former president of Frank Calandra Inc, and co-founder of Jennmar Corporation.  He graduated from Cresson High School and continued his post-secondary education at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1954. There he was a member of the golf team and president of the Kappa Alpha national fraternity. After graduation, he served in the Army National Guard for two years. He then joined Frank Calandra Inc., owned by his parents, Mary and Frank Calandra. Throughout the next several years, Jack learned the intricacies of the family business and implemented state-of-the-art business policies that helped to grow and develop Frank Calandra Inc. In 1965, Jack was joined by his brother Frank Calandra Jr. (2022) and together founded Jennmar Corporation in 1972. Located in Cresson, PA, this new manufacturing business revolutionized roof control and safety in the mining industry. Jennmar began manufacturing products for underground mining, primarily roof bolts and roof plates which are used to support the local underground coal mines. In a few short years, Frank and Jack were able to expand Jennmar into three states, setting up manufacturing plants in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Illinois. Jennmar experienced rapid growth and expansion. Currently, Jennmar employs over 3,000 people and operates 32 manufacturing and processing plants in North America with four additional manufacturing operations in Australia and China. His career accomplishments were many including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute of Scrap and Recycling Industry (ISRI).  He was also inducted into the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Business Hall of Fame in 2015 where he spoke of continuing the legacy of his father and mother. His philanthropic belief was, “If you have the means, help other people.” 

Jack’s father, Frank Sr., understood the connection between a good golf game and business relationships, and therefore encouraged Jack to learn the game. Jack understood that golf was his opportunity to leave a legacy in his community.  Not only did Jack become a very accomplished player attaining a scratch handicap and winning multiple club championships at Summit Country Club, but he also took a strong interest in improving the quality of the golf course at the Summit.  He was responsible for attaining the ground that would be used to expand Summit Country Club from a nine-hole golf club to a premiere eighteen-hole championship course which opened in 1968. Jack, a member since 1946, loved Summit Country Club, serving as president for many years.  Throughout his life, Summit Country Club was the beneficiary of his generosity, vision, and knowledge. He was also a member at Indiana Country Club, Sunnehanna Country Club, and a founding member of Secessions Golf Club, S.C. On any given day, Jack could be seen playing with beginners, professionals, and others who shared his passion for golf.   Jack’s love for the game was shared with countless friends across the country on some of the best golf courses in the world, including Augusta National. Jack and Jenny traveled the world playing golf with family and friends. They found a certain fondness for courses in Ireland, Ballybunion being one of their favorites.  There Jack became a lifetime member, and the couple became special friends with the owners of the local Bed and Breakfast. They returned many times enjoying their time together traveling and playing golf. As long as Jenny was around, Jack had a playing partner.

Jack’s lesser-known connections were with the Navy, more specifically, with the United States Naval Academy.  Jack was an unofficial recruiter for Navy Football in the 1960s and he assisted several local young athletes and academic prospects in gaining admission to Annapolis.  Eventually, Jack was honored with a trustee position for the Naval Academy Foundation where he served for more than 25 years after which he was given emeritus status.

Jack’s support and affiliation with higher learning were deep and wide.  He was an ardent supporter of those institutions where he attended including the Mercersburg Academy and the University of Pennsylvania. His support of “The Red Flash” athletics at Saint Francis University grew throughout the years to include all aspects of the university.     

During his entire adult life, Jack has been a passionate and benevolent supporter of his community.  He was especially dedicated to the Cresson Volunteer Fire Company and Cambria Alliance EMS.  He was an avid supporter and donor to the Cresson Food Pantry and Cresson Public Library.  His philanthropy extended to the Altoona Johnstown Diocese, especially Saint Aloysius and Saint Francis Xavier Churches. His generosity is known to many members of the community. 

Jack was able to live out his final days in dignity at his home in Cresson with the compassionate and loving support of his children and several caregivers: Carolyn, Donna, Linda, Maureen, and Yvonne. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the local charities stated above which Jack supported. Family will receive friends from 3 to 8 pm Friday at Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church Street, Gallitzin where a vigil service will be held Friday evening. The Legion of Mary will recite the rosary at 2:15 pm Friday. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 pm Saturday at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Cresson the Rev. Leo Arnone celebrant. Committal St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.

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