GLORIA M. CALOIARO (WILLETT)

     Gloria M. (Willett) Caloiaro, 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Worcester Health Center. Born and raised Holden, Gloria was the daughter of Ernest L. and Florence A. (Ryder) Willett. She graduated from Holden High School class of 1942.

Gloria lived briefly in Auburn with her family before enlisting in the United States Navy, proudly serving her country during World War II until being honorably discharged in 1946. On November 24, 1949, Gloria married the love of her life, Ralph Caloiaro, and moved to Rutland where they raised their two children. While balancing a busy family life, Gloria assisted her husband with the management of their family business, Rutland Construction Company, now Caloiaro Construction operated by her son. They also owned and operated the Rutland Package Store and Rutland Pizza.  After the untimely death her husband in 1974, Gloria worked at Rutland Heights Hospital, a position she held for 12 years.

Gloria was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Rutland and a volunteer on its Bereavement Committee, the Rutland Fife and Drum Corps, and was the first woman to run for a selectman seat in Rutland. She was also an active member and Past Commander of Rutland Post 310, American Legion Post. Gloria was a proud member of the “Greatest Generation,” that was described by American journalist, Tom Brokaw, as not only being united by a common purpose, but by common values, duty-honor, economy, courage, service, love of family, and country, and above all, responsibility for oneself.  She leaves an indelible mark on her family and community for her integrity, perseverance and commitment to serving others.  She was a mainstay at most of her community’s events – never missing the Rutland’s 4th of July Parade.

She will be lovingly remembered and missed her son, Ralph “BoBo” Caloiaro and his wife, Mary of Rutland; her daughter, Donna M. Fougere and her husband, Bill of Rutland; two grandchildren, James Fougere and his companion, Joanne Brody, and Jessica Hickey and her husband, Adam; nephews and nieces. Besides her parents, Gloria is predeceased by a brother, Leroy Willett.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Gloria’s family from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday, December 6, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Thursday, December 7, at St. Patrick’s Church, 258 Main St., Rutland. Burial will be held privately at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gloria’s name to Veteran’s Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605 or the Rutland Lions Club, P O Box 626, Rutland, MA 01543.