Obituary
John Edward Kalista (Sr), 86, passed away on March 5, 2021 in Brooksville Florida. He was born on December 9, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio to Frank and Barbara (Hollo) Kalista.
John grew up in Parma Ohio and attended St Francis De Sales. After high school he joined the United States Marine Corp in 1952 and served for 3 years active duty, 5 years reserve duty. John served in the Korean War and was the recipient of National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. John was honorably discharged in 1960, achieving the rank of corporal. After his military service, John worked in construction for 38 years. He retired in 1999 from the Cleveland IX Convention Center.
John married Nancy Kalista in 1953 and had 4 children. He remarried Betsy Kalista in 1964 and they raised a family of 7 children in Cleveland Ohio.
John is lovingly remembered by son John (Jr – Skip) of Spring Hill FL and daughter Cheryl Lynn of North Olmstead OH. Siblings Irene (Schager), Barbara Ann (Sturznickel), Jim, and Rita (Kyovsky). Grandchildren Alicia, Tasha, Heather, Rachel, Christopher, Alex, Melissa, Beth Anne, Rebecca, Rhiannon, James Jr, and Sabrina. Great-grandchildren Kayleigh, Karlin, Ella, Eva, Elias, Alaina, Cassie, Ella Marie, Harrison, and David Ryan. John was preceded in death by wife Betsy, Daughter Jeanne Lea, Sons James, Frank, David and Todd, Daughter in law Tina, Son in law David Caudill, granddaughter Misti. Brothers Frank, Richard, and George.
Per request, memorial services will be private. Burial services will be at the National Veterans Cemetery in Bushnell Florida at a future date.
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