Willis G. Calberg
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Willis "Bill" Grant Calberg, 79, passed on March 8, 2023, at home in Hilton NY after a heartbreaking battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He is survived by his wife Linda, daughter Lisa, son-in-law Frank, grandchildren Amanda, Allison, and Nat, his brother-in-law, sisters-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his son Scott and his brother Leif. Bill was born to Howard and Virginia Calberg on March 29, 1943, in Providence, RI. He attended Cranston East High School, then graduated from the University of Rhode Island and began working at Eastman Kodak in 1965 as a Machine Design Engineer. He was instrumental in the design of the manufacturing machines that produced the Kodak instant camera and film. He progressed to Division Director of Production System Engineering and Technology, retiring in 1999. He married his high school sweetheart Linda in 1965, and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, making them a priority in his life. He enjoyed all sports, and coached many of his children’s sports teams, including baseball, soccer, and basketball. He was a member of the Hilton/Parma Parks and Recreation Committee during the 1980s. He was loved by his family and friends for his sense of humor, engaging laugh, steadfast honesty, and optimistic spirit. He was a mentor to many people, professionally and personally, and a beloved and devoted husband and father. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations through Linda Calberg c/o Vay-Schleich and Meeson, benefitting the Hilton Quest Special Education Program and Special Education student projects. A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 2, 2023, at 3pm at Jennejahn Lodge in Hilton NY. The service will also be live streamed.
Linda, I remember how you called him "Billy" in the 70’s when you worked at RPC ( RSH, then ) and you came to our Halloween party at Lee Gardens with Linda Sherman, Laverne Hahnke and others. Saw you both at the tennis courts a couple of years ago watching our grandchildren. I am so sorry of your loss, I can’t say any more but I miss those days so long ago. Carol (Knower) Bateman
Dear Mrs. Calberg. I did not know Bill on a personal basis, but I did know him as a GREAT fellow worker. He was never too busy to listen to anyone no matter their status. One could always count on Bill to respond factually, truthfully and with empathy. He was an exceptional manager. I am sorry to know of his passing. Gerald Kusse
Linda, Ginny and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. Please accept our condolences. It was a pleasure to work with and for Bill. He was a very talented individual. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Best regards, Frank (Bill) and Ginny Keene
Sue Schanbeck (formerly Sue Deuchars) cousin. Bills mother was,a sister to my mother.
As a member of Lisa’s in-law family, we are so fortunate that we had the opportunity meet her father and know him before he became ill. Please accept our deepest sympathies for the difficult time he had while he was sick and for his passing. May your memories of him bring you the happiness you experience with him during his life.
Billy Calberg and I were friends growing up in the Auburn section of Cranston, Rhode Island in the 1950s. We graduated from URI together, and as so often happens, we went our separate ways – I to Connecticut Light & Power and he to Kodak. I saw his obituary in my URI magazine. I hope his wonderful family will accept my heartfelt condolences. Leif was his younger brother, and Paul Gormly, who grew up across Laurens Street, used to crack us up when he’d refer to him as “Leiflet”. Jack Murray – Marlborough, Connecticut