Obituary of Arthur P. Kalaka

Arthur P. Kalaka Arthur P. Kalaka of Wappingers Falls entered into rest Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center. He was 81. Son of the late Leonard and Bertha Kalaka, he was born on July 25, 1928 in Brooklyn. He married the love of his life, Sophie Cichinsky on July 25, 1949 in Most Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn; Mrs. Kalaka preceded her husband in death, passing on March 21, 2008. Mr. Kalaka served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. During his service, he played football and was an all-Navy center. Upon returning home, he played for New York University from where he graduated and was team captain. Arthur had considered a career in football, but decided his family was more important. Mr. Kalaka had worked in many fields including pharmaceuticals and, most recently, medical publishing. In his spare time, Arthur was a member of Waterkill Rod & Gun Club, and Dutchess Golf and Country Club. He was also a past member of the Elks Club in Beacon. Mr. Kalaka kept his love of sports alive by working as a college referee for over 15 years in the Eastern College Athletics Conference. He was also inducted into the Dutchess County Basketball Hall of Fame. Survivors include his sons, Arthur Kalaka of Manhattan, Robert Kalaka and his wife, Virginia of Poughkeepsie, Michael Kalaka and his wife, Frances of Atlantic Highlands, NJ, and William Kalaka of Sea Bright, NJ; his daughters, Jo-Ann Kalaka-Adams and her husband, James of Sea Bright, NJ, and Jackie Kalaka-Reeves and her husband, Gary of Ansonia, CT; grandchildren, Kyle, Emily, Michael and Sophia Kalaka, and Gary Reeves; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Sophie, he was predeceased by his brothers, Walter and Leonard, and his sisters, Olga and Alexandra. Family will receive their friends on Monday, February 22, 2010 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY, 12590. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Clinton Street in Wappingers Falls. Entombment will follow in Fishkill Rural Community Mausoleum, Fishkill. For directions to the funeral home or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.