Frank B. Calio passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at his home in his beloved hometown of Laurel. He was born on March 23, 1938 in Allentown, Penn. He was a graduate of Laurel High School in 1956 where he served as class president.
After serving in the Army Reserve, he held many roles for the state of Delaware before taking over the family shoe repair business in 1977. After 22 years running the family business, he accepted a job as the director of the Sussex County Economic Development office. During his time as director, he had a new terminal built, repaved the major runway, and developed future plans for a cross wind runway, all while bringing in over 1,000 new jobs for Sussex County. In 2001, he accepted the role of State Elections Commissioner where he served until his retirement in June 2007.
Frank served his community in many capacities. He was a founding member of the Laurel Jaycees, the Laurel Alumni Association, and the Laurel Lions Club. He served as chairman of the board of the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital and was one of the organizers of the Laurel Little League, the first one in Sussex County. He was a member of Laurel American Legion Post 19, Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Seaford, and was a fourth degree Knight of Columbus for Council 4075.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Anna Calio, his brother James, and his wife Carolyn. He is survived by his wife Rebecca Calio; his three daughters Lisa Alvarez of Seaford, Angie Quillen of Laurel (husband Charles), and Katrina Braham of Raleigh, N.C. (husband Frank); and two sons, Chris Calio of Laurel (wife Linda) and Dominic Calio of Virginia Beach (wife Amber). He also has nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
A viewing was held at Hannigan; Short; Disharoon Funeral Home on Sunday, Oct. 24. A funeral was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Seaford. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Laurel Alumni Association at PO Box 282, Laurel, DE 19956. Arrangements are in care of Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.