Mark A. Calcatera, 61, of Marshall, passed away at home on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He was a seven year survivor of a double lung transplant.
Mark was born on April 14, 1952 to Donald L. and Dolores M. (Alexander) Calcatera in Norway, Michigan. He graduated from Okemos High School with the class of 1970. After high school, he joined the United State Marine Corps on October 1, 1970 and served through September 28, 1973. He was a Sergeant E-5 and served in the Aviation Communication Maintenance Section as a Radio Mechanic. Mark served in Vietnam for eight months in 1972 and was a highly decorated veteran.
In 1974, Mark became a Michigan State Police Trooper where he served with three posts as a Radar Instructor, Crime Scene Technician, and Breathalyzer Operator as well as training new recruits. He worked for the Michigan State Police for twenty years, retiring in 1994.
Mark earned several awards and commendations from the Michigan State Police, including being the first ever recipient of the Auto Theft Award. He also received the Meritorious Service Award, a Life Saving Award, and the Director's Commendation on numerous occasions.
Mark married Shirley A. Minniear in Marshall on May 5, 1995. The two of them joined their families to create one big, beautiful family whom he enjoyed spending as much time with as possible. He loved the special times with his grandchildren, whom he was blessed with in later years!
After retirement, Mark began coaching the Olivet Girls Golf team. He also worked as a broker for Edward Jones in Albion as well as with the AG Edwards in Battle Creek. When he wasn't coaching or working, Mark enjoyed reading, travel, cooking, custom making golf clubs and golfing. He was a longtime member at the Marshall Country Club where he served two different times as the President on the Board of Directors as well as the Chairman of the Sports/Tournament Committee and Co-Chairman of the House Committee. Mark also won the Marshall Country Club Champion in 2002 along with the Member-Guest Champion that same year.
Mark is survived by his wife, Shirley; brothers, Anthony Calcatera of Milford and Robert Calcatera of Holt; sons Mark D. Calcatera of Lansing and Eric (Stacy) Calcatera of Grand Rapids; daughters Rene (Jon) Byrd and Pam Russell, all of Battle Creek; grandchildren McKayla and Abigail Byrd and Gwen Calcatera; nieces, Stephanie Minniear of Battle Creek and Shawnna and Niki Calcatera; nephew, Nicolas Calcatera; and extended family, Ashlyn and Ben Katz, Jasmine Miller and Brendan Sturgill. Mark was preceded in death by his brother Peter Calcatera, his parents, and both maternal and paternal grandparents.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25th from 9:30AM to 10:30AM at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, 723 US 27 North, Marshall. A funeral service to celebrate Mark's life will follow visitation at 10:30AM at the funeral home with Deacon Jim Mellen officiating. The service will end at the funeral home and there will be a luncheon at the Kempf Reception Hall for family and friends immediately following. Memorials in memory of Mark can be made out to Shirley Calcatera to go towards buying a chair for the Wounded Warrior Project. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home. To leave the family a personal message please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com