John Calabrese

John “Steve” S. Calabrese Jr, 76, of Rogers City, MI, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2024, due to complications from cancer.

Steve was born on February 28, 1948, in New Castle, PA, to John S. and Effie B. (King) Calabrese. After graduating from Shenango High School in New Castle, PA, Steve enlisted in the United States Navy in 1968, and proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1972.

After military service, Steve attended Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, PA, and then went to work for Adobe Mining of Grove City, PA, where he was involved with blasting operations for mining and highway construction throughout Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.

Steve became a proud father to his three children: Nathan M. Calabrese, Stefani M. Calabrese, and Christina Jo “CJ” Calabrese.

Steve took a position with Austin Powder Company in the early 1990’s, and after a brief period in Northwest Ohio, he relocated to Rogers City, MI, and was assigned the Assistant Manager of Austin Powder’s Rogers City plant.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Steve acclimated quickly and fell in love with Northern Michigan. He spent his leisure time hunting, fishing, playing golf, bowling, traveling throughout the area, and passing time with his friends and family.

Steve was an avid sports fan, and loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, and Penn State. While baseball and football were his favorite sports, he would watch nearly any sport at any time.

Steve eventually took over as the General Manager of Austin Powder’s Rogers City plant, managing operations and blasting contracts with multiple quarries throughout Northern Michigan. He held this position until he decided to retire.

In his retirement, Steve enjoyed his time by remaining active with his outdoors hobbies, frequenting Kortman’s restaurant, and spending time with his friends.

Steve is survived by his son, Nathan Calabrese (Mickey Ribar) of Valparaiso, IN; daughter Stefani Calabrese-Davidson (Eric) of Salem, OH; daughter Christina “CJ” Calabrese of Phoenix, AZ; and grandchildren Jaiden, Darien, Sofia, David, Bella, and Brixton.

Friends are encouraged to please attend a celebration of life and a veterans memorial service by the Rogers City VFW Post 607, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 9th, at Beck Funeral Home in Rogers City, MI.

The family requests that in lieu of sending flowers to please consider a donation in Steve’s name to the Rogers City Schools’ Sports Boosters.

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org