Santo Calarco

Santo Carmelo Calarco
January 1, 1931 – February 15, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Santo Carmelo Calarco, who peacefully departed this world on February 15, 2025, at Hackensack Meridian Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born at the stroke of midnight on January 1, 1931, in his childhood home in Jersey City, Santo was the first baby born that year—a bright and hopeful beginning to a life filled with purpose, love, and unwavering dedication.

Santo proudly served his country in the United States Army before pursuing his education with passion and determination. He earned his degree from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City in 1956 and went on to study law at St. John’s Law School in New York. With steadfast perseverance, he passed the NY/NJ Bar Exam on September 19, 1960, launching a distinguished legal career that spanned over six decades. In addition to his role as a respected attorney, Santo served as a judge in Jersey City, where his wisdom and integrity earned the admiration of colleagues and the community alike. He practiced law tirelessly until December 2024, retiring at the remarkable age of 93.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Santo was a man of deep devotion—to his family, his passions, and the principles he upheld. A true sports enthusiast, he found joy in football and baseball, always keeping up with the latest games. He was an avid news watcher, a lifelong reader, and a lover of classic films and crossword puzzles. Music moved his soul, with Frank Sinatra’s "I Did It My Way" serving as a fitting anthem for the way he lived—with independence, strength, and a deep sense of personal pride.

Above all, Santo’s greatest love was his family. He was the beloved husband of Carmen Santiago Calarco, a devoted father to Joan Calarco-Ortiz and her husband David Ortiz, and Anna Marie Calarco. He was a cherished grandfather to Joseph Burgos and his wife Gabrielle Hanvey Burgos, and Ethan Calarco, and a proud great-grandfather to Nathaniel Sebastian Hanvey Burgos and Violet Rayne Hanvey Burgos. Through his marriage to Carmen, he gained six stepchildren and embraced them, along with their families, with open arms and a loving heart.

Santo is also survived by his nephews Joseph Cavallo, Anthony Cavallo, and Johnny Cavallo, along with many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. He now reunites in eternal peace with his late daughter, Dianna Calarco, his parents, Giovanni and Rose (née DeRocco) Calarco, and his siblings, Concetta Cavallo, Anna Calarco, Angela Maffei, Jenny Hemmer, Nancy Calarco, and John Joseph Calarco.

For over four decades, Santo made his home in North Bergen, where his warmth, wisdom, and humor touched the lives of many. He was a man of great intellect and quick wit, always ready with a kind word or a mischievous smile. As the patriarch of the Calarco-Cavallo family, he led with love, humility, and a quiet strength that will forever be remembered.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate nurses and staff at Hackensack University Medical Center for their care and kindness during Santo’s final days.

Though his presence will be profoundly missed, Santo’s legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family and principles will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rest in peace, Santo. You did it your way.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City. For those using GPS navigation, please use the parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street. A funeral service will take place on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Riotto Funeral Home from 11:00 AM- 11:30 AM. Santo will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Mausoleum, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington.