Michael F. Calabrese
Published April 3, 2015
Michael F. Calabrese
December 23, 1938 – March 24, 2015
Born in Priest River, Idaho, to Michael J. and Elaine (Sherriff) Calabrese, Michael grew up on both the east and west coasts. His family lived in Washington and California during World War II, but frequently returned to the Bronx, NYC, living with their large Italian family. He attended high school at the De La Salle Institute in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and after graduation returned to Washington and enrolled at Seattle University. He joined the United States Air Force and was assigned to remote radio stations in Alaska, prior to statehood. Michael met his wife Barbara Jean Palmer while stationed at Schilling AFB in Salina, Kansas. They chose Auburn as their home and raised two daughters, Ann and Lisa. Michael had a rewarding career working in aerospace, military defense systems, and the composites industries. He retired early, establishing a consulting business, to spend more time with his wife and to be a full-time grandfather.
Preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife Barbara. Survived by daughters Ann (Dave) Cook and Lisa (John) Bragg; five grandchildren Amy, Andy, Alexa, Harrison, and Marissa.
Michael and his family appreciate the compassionate care provided to him during his recent illness by Dave Cook – his caregiver, his patient advocate and “the son he never had.”
Remembrances to Auburn Fire Medic Fund, PO Box 1237, Auburn, WA 98071; or Auburn Sons of Italy Lodge #1955, Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1224, Auburn, WA 98071.
Visitation 3 – 7 p.m., Monday, April 6, Price-Helton Funeral Chapel, 702 Auburn Way North, in Auburn. Graveside services with military honors at Tahoma National Cemetery, 1:30 p.m., April 7, reception immediately following at the Federal Way Best Western, 32124 25th Ave S.