Rita Calvey

Rita Marie (Callahan) Calvey 84 years, Clarks Green, died Thursday, May 16, 2013, at home. She was the wife of Patrick A. Calvey, Jr.

She was born May 29, 1928 in Taylor, and was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Meehan) Callahan. She was a 1946 graduate of West Scranton High School and furthered her education studying voice and music at Marywood University, Scranton, under the direction of Sr. Davidica, IHM. Her love for music provided her the opportunity to study opera under the direction of Madame Naun, of the Metropolitan Opera, New York, NY. Her final coach and mentor, Professor Norbert K. Betti, a well known area music instructor, helped her accomplish her true potential as a mezzo soprano. It was Mr. Betti who also introduced to her loving husband of 63 years.

Prior to devoting her life to her family, she worked for T. M. Miller Casket Co., Scranton and the Third National Bank. Her intuitive wisdom was shared with her sons in their family business American Janitor and Paper Supply Company.

Rita shared her musical talents and was a member of the Catholic Choral Club of Scranton for 45 years, a society in which she met her loving husband. She was an originating member of Church of St. Gregory Parish, Clarks Green, a member of their Holy Rosary Society, and the Community Opera Society of Scranton.

Appearing in many performances, she was most proud performing in the Papal Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, Italy, during the 50th celebration of the late Bishop Joseph Carroll McCormick of Scranton and was accompanied by Mrs. Stanley (Barbara) Boland, a dear friend. Her role in the opera, Carmen, was most memorable.

She was a spiritual woman devoted to her family and faith. A daily communicant during Lent each year, she was a dedicated volunteer at the former Our Lady of Peace hot lunch program. A gracious woman with her gentle friendly smile who always had kind words for all she met, she will be sadly missed.

Rita was an avid Yankees fan, watching them nightly; however, she was most passionate about watching her children and grandchildren at their sporting events. Whether they won or lost, she was proud of them in everything they did and the people they became.

Surviving are three sons: J. Brian and wife Michele, Clarks Summit, James P. and wife Lisa, Clarks Green, Dr. Timothy Calvey, and partner Allan, Georgetown, Washington, D.C.; 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, She was preceded in death by a son, Patrick A. Calvey, III.

The funeral will be Monday with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am in Church of St. Gregory, to be celebrated by Rev. John M. Lapera. Interment Cathedral Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends Sunday from 3 pm to 6 pm at Church of St. Gregory, 330 North Abington Road, Clarks Green, and Monday morning at the church from 10 am - 10:45 am.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509 or charity of donor's choice.

Arrangements are being made by the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc., 111 Colburn Avenue, Clarks Summit, PA 18411.