Samuel James Calavitta
June 04, 1942 - February 19, 2021
Capistrano Beach California
- Share:
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
No Charities & Donations
85 responses to Samuel James Calavitta
Nicki (Lindenberg) Moss says:
March 4, 2021
I will never forget my days spent with Mr. Cal in 6th grade at Parkview Elem. He was the best teacher, this is where we learned who we were. So many fond memories, square dancing, wood working, Country report and the best getting to stay in the classroom to “clean” with my best friend instead of going out for PE. Praying for his entire family during this time of loss. You are never forgotten!!
Athena Abatecola says:
March 5, 2021
I found out about Mr. Cal’s passing a few days ago upon logging into Facebook after a long absence…I remembered how I had searched for him on Facebook many years ago but couldn’t find him, so this was heart-breaking news, especially since I had wanted to meet with him again someday to see how he had been doing and to thank him for giving me such an enjoyable 6th-grade experience. Mr. Cal was by far one of the best teachers I had ever had and was the perfect role model of what a teacher should be: passionate, enthusiastic, encouraging, caring, knowledgeable, inspiring, fair, and much more. I still remember when there was this one student in our class who had a breakdown (he might have been angry over some problems at home) and was letting out all his anger. Mr. Cal encouraged him to just let it all out, and the kid eventually calmed down. I’m very sure Mr. Cal had an idea of what that kid might have been going through, and he never gave up on him. He treated him just as well as any other student in the class, and that is very admirable. Mr. Cal truly did care about each and every one of his students. I remember how he gave each of his students a nickname, too, and he had always referred to me as “the Goddess of Wisdom” because of my name’s origins. That actually taught me more about my name because before that, I hadn’t really been aware of its origins lol He encouraged me a lot when I tried solving math problems as quickly and accurately as I could, and it may be because of him that I grew so fond of math and science in the first place and continued on with it even several years later. It may also be because of him that I wanted to go into the teaching profession…I wanted to help and encourage others in the same way he did. I doubt I can ever reach his level, but I’m thankful that I had the honor of studying under such an amazing teacher and learning very valuable life lessons from him (I still remember the “You Can” poem he had us memorize in the 6th grade). I also immensely enjoyed his classes, which he always made interesting, fun, and entertaining, and the math competitions and square-dancing were a plus (those were some of the most fun times I had in 6th grade). Although at times I felt alone as an elementary-school student, his classes were something I could look forward to during my elementary-school life. I don’t think I could ever forget the wonderful memories I have of those days. I just wish I could have met him just one more time…However, since that is no longer an option now, I can only pray that he is in a better place and living the life he truly deserves, free of the stress, pain, and suffering that so many people here on Earth have to endure. Thank you, Mr. Cal, for all of the good you have done in your life and for helping nurture so many around you to become better people. You may be gone, but never forgotten, and forever loved.
Bachofner Family says:
March 5, 2021
Carol Bachofner says:
March 5, 2021
Mr Cal made a huge impact on our daughter, Erin. He encouraged her positivity which has helped her in every part of her life! I remember the square dancing skirt I made her for Fridays. Jr Olympics and the smile he had (so easily) for every student. A great guy all around. Condolences to Diane aand tge family.
Elisa Bier says:
March 5, 2021
My. Cal was the best teacher I ever had!! Sending love and prayers to his family.