Robert Calamaio

Robert Calamaio, 83, of Hot Springs Village, AR died on January 18, 2010. He was the youngest of 8 boys born to John and Josephine Fishera Calamaio who immigrated to the United States in the early part of the 20th century and settled near Henryetta, OK. His parents and brothers all preceded him in death. He joined the Navy at 17 during WWII and when he returned, he attended what was then Oklahoma A & M College. He then went to Chicago and got a job at Kemper Insurance Company where he met the love of his life, Juanita (Nita) Carrigan who had recently moved there from her hometown of Memphis, TN. They married and moved to Wichita, KS. Later, both went to work for the Farm Credit Banks and they moved to Louisville, KY, then to Jackson, MS and retired to Hot Springs Village. A very important and long time interest in his life was the guitar. He started playing when he was just a little boy and continued all his life. When he was a teenager in Henryetta, he had a regular program on the local radio station. At one time he had considered making it his career; However, in college he thought better of it and decided it would be his avocation instead. It brought pleasure not only to him, but to many others as well. Bob enjoyed all his activities in the Village where he was a member of the Men's Golf Association and the Bocca Club. He loved traveling and he and Nita enjoyed their many trips to Europe. It worked out well as Nita spoke French and he spoke Italian. But first and foremost, Bob was a devoted family man. Some of the happiest times of his life were the get-togethers with his family which included not only his immediate family but also his many nieces and nephews as well as some long-time friends who were like family to him. He loved his beloved wife and three sons, Craig of St. Johnbury, VT, Barry of Shawnee, KS, and Robin of Bowling Green, KY. He also leaves 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Friday, January 22, 2010 at CedarVale Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at the Village United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Village United Methodist Church, 200 Carmena, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909. Arrangements are under the direction of CedarVale Funeral Home of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. (501) 922-6100.

Robert Calamaio

March 5, 1926 - January 18, 2010