Giacomo "Jack" Calandra

Giacomo “Jack” Calandra

Beloved Husband, Father and Brother, 87

Giacomo “Jack” Calandra, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at the age of 87. 

Giacomo was born in Camporeale, a providence of Palermo in Sicily, Italy. He emigrated to Newark, NJ in 1960, moving to Belleville, NJ in 1970.  In Italy, he  learned the baking trade, earning a certification in Pastry and Baking Arts.  In Newark, NJ, he worked tirelessly at his craft, honing his skills as a “bread man”.  A few years later, his hard work would be rewarded.  Giacomo and his brother Luciano opened Calandras Bakery.  They became a fixture in the Newark community.  Several years later, he would go out on his own.  On May 3, 1979, he opened JC’s Italian Bakery in Parsippany, NJ.

Being a successful businessman was only part of his entrepreneurial journey.  He invested in several apartment buildings in Belleville, NJ.  In 1976, Giacomo added commercial real estate developer to his credentials. He built a retail shopping center in Parsippany, the site of JC’s Bakery.  After a brief stint as a restaurateur in the 1980’s, he built a second retail strip center in Rockaway Township.

Giacomo moved to Parsippany in 1994.  He spent his “golden years” there and also at his winter home in Naples, Florida.  He loved to be outdoors.  On any given day, he would be in his garden or on one of his properties doing some landscaping.  He also loved to entertain in his home.  There was always plenty of delicious food, “top shelf” spirits, homemade wine, and spirited card games all night long.   

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years Fiorinda “Flora” (nee Iovino) Calandra; his devoted daughters Vincenza Calandra and Sarah Calandra; his loving brother Luciano Calandra and his loving sister Margherita Liotta and her husband Giuseppe.  He is also survived by his many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Giacomo is predeceased by his twin brother Salvatore “Toto” Calandra and his wife Nunzia, his sister Santina Ippolito, his sister-in-law Ortenza Calandra, and his son-in-law Richard Lighthiser.  

He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and all who knew him.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at a later date.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Biondi Funeral Home of Nutley.  

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