Samuel James Calavitta
June 04, 1942 - February 19, 2021
Capistrano Beach California
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Samuel James Calavitta
June 04, 1942 - February 19, 2021
Capistrano Beach California
Obituary
Samuel J. Calavitta
06/04/1942 – 02/19/2021
Sam is survived by his wife of 58 years, Diane, 3 sons – Sam Jr., Joseph, and David Calavitta, and 11 grandchildren, his sister Lois and brother-in-law Tom Dadian, Sister-in-law Joan Hoff, along with many nieces and nephews.
Sam began his teaching career in El Segundo, CA where he taught elementary school for 9 years. After moving to Victorville, CA in 1979, Sam continued his teaching career at Victor Elementary School District for the next 30 years. He spent most of his teaching career at Parkview and Village Elementary Schools where he introduced District wide events such as the Junior Olympics and the Math Competition – which was eventually named after him. Students and co-workers knew him as “Mr. Cal.“ Mr. Cal, along with his wife Diane, spent several years teaching for Azusa Pacific working with prospective teachers in Reading, Writing, and Classroom Management.
Mr. Cal truly loved teaching and every student was special. His “YOU CAN“theme was the message he resonated and hoped to pass on to each and every student. The poem by Walter D. Wintle was always the first day‘s homework assignment which remained words to live by for many of Mr. Cal‘s students as they graduated and entered junior high and high school. The poem is as follows:
If you think you are beaten – you are
If you think you dare not – you don‘t
If you like to win, but think you can‘t
It‘s almost a cinch you won‘t
If you think you‘ll lose, you‘re lost
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow‘s will
It‘s all in a state of mind
If you think you‘re out classed – you are
You‘ve got to think high to rise
You‘ve got to be sure of yourself
Before you can win a prize
Life‘s battles don‘t always go
To the stronger or faster man
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.
Ultimately, in the later years of his life, Sam found great solace in the mercy and love of Christ. It was this grace that encouraged him in his daily battle with Parkinson‘s, and, in his last days, filled him with the hope of eternity.
We confidently trust the soul of Sam Calavitta to the boundless mercy of his Father. Please pray for the repose of Sam Calavitta, the comfort of his family, and the continued inspiration for all those whose life he has affected.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to send condolences, the family welcomes a donation in Sam‘s name to the St. Jude Children‘s Hospital (http://www.stjude.org). Thank you.
The funeral Mass on Friday, March 19 at 10:30am at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church may be viewed on live stream at https://youtu.be/sIhzddMKTnA
Vigil Service
- Date & Time: March 19, 2021 (10:00 AM)
- Venue: San Francisco Solano Catholic Church
- Location: 22082 Antonio Parkway Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 589-7767
Funeral Mass
- Date & Time: March 19, 2021 (10:30 AM)
- Venue: San Francisco Solano Catholic Church
- Location: 22082 Antonio Parkway Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 589-7767
Graveside Service
- Date & Time: March 23, 2021 (10:15 AM)
- Venue: Riverside National Cemetery
- Location: 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (951) 653-8417
87 responses to Samuel James Calavitta
Donna G Miller says:
March 15, 2021
Cliff and I are so sorry to hear about Sam’s passing. Have wondered how he was doing this past year. We always enjoyed Sam at the bowling alley and miss his can do attitude. Going to miss his hugs when we all get back together again. Our condolences to Diane and the family. Your husband and father was dearly loved.
Jose Manuel Berrios says:
March 15, 2021
Joe Berrios, I remember the dedication Sam had to his family & students. I have great memories of his energy while son Sam was a member of our wrestling team at VVHS (First CIF champion in school History) Our prayers are with the family
Steven montes jr says:
March 15, 2021
Mr CAL was one of the greatest teachers i ever had… he was a inspiration to all his students.. he will truly be missed by all that knew him
heather noel says:
March 17, 2021
Mr. Cal was my teacher in 6th grade at Desert Knolls, and I have always given credit to him for instilling in his students the desire to excel beyond what was expected at grade level. He prepped us for the District Math Test which was administered to middle and high school students normally, and a large percentage of our 6th grade class passed. His passion for teaching and his ability to inspire students was of great magnitude, and undoubtedly, he is responsible for giving so many of his students the gift of greater self confidence and cognitive thinking skills as they entered junior high! Rest in peace, Mr. Cal.
Jorge Mora says:
March 18, 2021
Jorge Mora