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New Mexico Dental Journal, Fall 2016
Membership Matters
membership
Obituaries
James Joseph Calderone
August 1, 1934 – August 19, 2016
Retired United States Navy Captain, Dr. James Joseph Calderone, Jim, age 82, born
to James and Augusta Calderone on August 1, 1934 in Conneaut, OH, went to his
heavenly home on August 19, 2016 surrounded by his family. Jim is survived by his
loving wife of 58 years, Mary Lou; their eight children and spouses and 18 grand-
children: Dominic (Louise); Jim (Tiffany) and children Adriana and Tara; Theresa
(Mike) Farmer and children Amie (Landon) Blundell, Ben and Katie; Marti (Keith)
McHolland and children Naomi, Lydia and Mariah; Gina (Tracy) Balliet and children
Camille, Emily and Michelle Pellegrino; Camille (Ed) Reyes and children E.J. and
Ray; Christina (Andy) Carter and children Holly, Curran and Ian; Tony (Carrie)
and children Grant and Emma; his brother, Chuck (Mary) and countless extended
family and friends. He is preceded in death by his brother, Bob and sister, Mary.
Jim’s family moved to Albuquerque in 1946 and he attended St Mary’s High School.
He received his DDS degree from St. Louis University during which time his heart
was smitten by Mary Lou Halbruegger and they married December 28, 1957. After
serving in the US Navy on active duty for two years, he practiced dentistry in Belen,
NM and then in Albuquerque. In 1974, Jim earned a Masters in Oral Epidemiology
and in 1976, he earned a Doctorate in Public Health from the University of Michigan
while still providing for the family. In 1975, Jim became the Director of Dental
Programs for the State of New Mexico establishing a water fluoridation program
that was implemented state wide. Jim continued to serve in the US Naval Reserve
and retired as a Captain in 1982 after 26 years of service. He retired from the state of
New Mexico in 1996. Jim’s faith was very important to him and he was active in his
church in CCD, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and as a greeter. He also volunteered
at the Right to Life Organization.
A Rosary was recited Thursday, August 25, 2016, 7:00 pm, at FRENCH – Wyoming.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday, August 26, 2016 at 8:30 am at Our
Lady of the Annunciation Parish, 2621 Vermont NE. Interment followed at Gate of
Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd NE.
Dr. James Joseph Calderone