Richard Caliendo, 83, of Hamden passed away peacefully on Friday, November 2, 2012 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He was the beloved husband of 52 years to Phyllis Vannicola Caliendo. Born in New Haven on January 13, 1929; son of the late Louis and Madeline Lanzilli Caliendo. Richard was a talented in well known barber all of his life in the New Haven and Hamden areas and was working until the time of his passing; he was the owner and operator of the former Caliendo’s Hair Styling of Hamden. A sports enthusiast, he was an avid Detroit Tiger’s fan having persuading the rest of his family to be the same. Richard had a wonderful sense of humor; he truly loved people and was always there to lend an open ear or a hand, and people would always love to reciprocate. A loving, forgiving, peacemaking man, he will truly be missed. Loving father of Terry Troisi of East Haven and Gino R. Caliendo of Hamden. Devoted grandfather of Johnny, Jenna and Anthony Mitrano, and Mikey Troisi. Brother of Gloria Orser of Hamden and the late Eugene, Jerry and Robert Caliendo.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Wednesday morning at 9:15. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Church of the Ascension at 10:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Tuesday from 3:30 to 8:00 pm. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Caliendo Grandchildren’s Education Fund through the funeral director.
Richie,
You were a big part of my family’s life. Thanks for sharing yourself and your advice. You will be missed!!
Mr. Caliendo: Although I never knew your name, your twinkling eyes and happy disposition would brighten up my day each time we would greet each other at Stop & Shop in Hamden. May God keep you in his care.
To Phyllis & family,
Our Heartfelt Condolences! Please take comfort in knowing that “Richie” will forever be remembered in our thoughts and prayers. We share the “deepest” admiration for our “Special” and “Loving” friend. He was a True Inspiration to all. “Richie” will live on with us “forever”! With our “Sincerest Love”, Ron & Pam Gershman.
Heartfelt condolences to the entire Caliendo family. Richie was a great barber and a even nicer guy.
Dear Phyllis and Family:
I have been a school chum of Richie since Truman St. School, also at Hillhouse High School. When I had a business in Hamden, his Barber Shop was near. I believe we in the Hillhouse band together.
Rich was a nice guy. I enjoyed meeting him at the Hillhouse 65th Reunion. I will always have a prayer for him.
My condolences to you and your family.
Anthony Terrasi
Class of “47”
Everyone who met Richie only had good things to say about him…when I worked at UI I met many of his customers and they loved him as a great barber…but more important a good man and friend. Good-bye cousin.
Gino, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad, he was a wonderful man and will be missed by all. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.