Abraham "Cal" Caliel, Jr

Abraham "Cal" Caliel Jr.
1926-2012

Abraham "Cal" Caliel Jr., 86 of 607 Ridge Road, Lansing died peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 8, 2012 surrounded by his family. Born in Myers, NY on April 24, 1926, he was the son of the late Abraham and Frieda Solomon Caliel. He graduated from Lansing High School in 1942 and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Following his service, Cal graduated from Ithaca College and earned his Master's Degree in Physical Education. He began his teaching career at Holland Patent Central Schools where he also coached wrestling. In 1956 Cal moved to the Lansing Central School district where he taught elementary physical education for more than 30 years and coached basketball and football. In 1958 he married Marlene Zakour of Geneva, NY. After retiring from teaching 1983, Cal pursued one of his passions and became one of the founding partners in Ithaca's Mexicali Rose restaurant. Cal loved to golf, fish, watch virtually every sport and usher at Cornell football and hockey games, however nothing made him happier than being with and cooking for his family. He was a member of St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, St. George Syrian Orthodox Church, a life member of Ithaca Elks Lodge 636 and a 65 year member of Lansing Masonic Lodge 774. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Marlene (Zakour) Caliel; son Michael (Debra) Caliel of The Woodlands, TX; daughter Julie (Stephen) Boney of Franklin, TN; grandchildren Jocelyn Caliel, Julia Caliel, Elizabeth Caliel, Nicholas Boney, Ava Boney. He is also survived by his sisters, Catherine Mike and Sophie Caliel; sisters in law Linda Caliel and Maryann Caliel along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, Cal was also predeceased by his sisters Mary George, Nancy MacDougal and Julia Mike; and his brothers Robert Caliel and Fred Caliel. Funeral services will be celebrated by Rev. Thomas Athanasios on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in Lansing. Calling hours will be Tuesday, July 10, 2012 from 5-7 p.m. at Bangs Funeral Home in Ithaca. The family will also receive visitors in the church prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, St. George Syrian Orthodox Church or Hospicare of Tompkins County.