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
89 responses to Samuel James Calavitta
Mary Jane Young says:
March 8, 2021
So sorry to hear about Sam. He was always such an upbeat person! We always enjoyed visiting with him! He was an excellent teacher and really enjoyed it! My thoughts are with you at this time.
Tom Lovecchio says:
March 8, 2021
I just found out of my cousin Sammy’s passing today. I am Tom Lovecchio, a first cousin from Jamestown,NY. I am very saddened to hear of his passing and give his family my deepest sympathy. My mother was a sister to his father Tony. If the family wants, I have pictures of Sammy when he was younger with our Grandpa and Grandma Calavitta and his father. Please contact me if you want me to email them to you. I would of loved to have talked and seen him again. Sammy was always in our hearts and minds. May God bless your family during these very hard times. Sammy will always be in your hearts and in your souls.
David Calavitta says:
March 10, 2021
Hi Tom, this is David, Sam’s youngest son, I would love to see any pictures you have of my dad as a boy. Would you email me at davidcal@me.com?
Roman says:
March 11, 2021
Good day Tom, This is Roman, Lois Dadian*s oldest son.
Id appreciate to have those photos, my email is sebdadian@gmail.com.
Thank you
Bucky Buckles says:
March 9, 2021
Mr. Cal was one of a kind. Done so much for the kids especially his role in the math competitions he ran. But I missed the competitive nature he was driven towards especially when it came to our bowling league on Friday nights. Bless you and your family
Cendy says:
March 9, 2021
Mr. Cal was my 6th grade teacher. Every time I pass by The school I always remember his class and what a wonderful teacher and person he was. Favorite teacher so far. He was truely one of a kind and I’m so blessed to have had him as my teacher . My condolences to all of his family. Rest in Paradise Mr Cal
Linda & Samuel McDaniel says:
March 9, 2021
From Samuel & Linda McDaniel,
What a wonderful Teacher and person. All three of my children loved him. He was an inspiration to their lives. He coached my Son in the Track and Field and chance to compete in Hershey, PA. plus being good teacher to him and my two daughters. he was always down to Earth and truthful whenever you spoke to him. Always look at life in positive not negative way. My children, husband and I will definitely missed him.
My Prayers and Condolences to his wife and sons!