Obituary of Frank C Caliri

Frank Charles Caliri, a retired electrical engineer passed away from dementia at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, February 26, 2024.  He was 84 years old.  Frank was born in Boston. He was the son of Frank A. and Mary Caliri.  He grew up in Somerville and was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Cambridge where he met his future wife, Catherine “Sis” Mahoney.   They went to the prom together and in October of 1962 they married and moved into a new development in the Town of Burlington, where they have lived ever since.  Frank was extremely handy and over the years he worked on, rebuilt, and expanded the home to accommodate their growing family.  He could be a bit of a perfectionist. The smallest detail was given great care.  He even made furniture for his and his family’s homes.  Nothing was impossible with Frank.  He loved cars and spent months restoring a 1967 Mustang Fastback and 1968 Camaro.  He didn’t have a garage at the time, but with creativity and knowing anything can be accomplished, he made a temporary paint booth in the driveway to paint the Camaro. 

Frank graduated from Northeastern University with an electrical engineering degree and worked until the age of 80. He worked at High Voltage in Burlington, and Peerless Industries, among other companies, often traveling internationally for his work.  At Peerless he worked with his dad to invent the Automatic Solid State Train Track Controller used with model trains.  It was a big revelation for train enthusiasts and was featured in magazines as well.  In the later part of his career, he designed imaging equipment like Xray and MRI machines used in the health care industry.  He was very humble about his accomplishments. 

Frank’s life revolved around his family.  He and his wife Sis have been married for 61 years and a couple for over 66 years.  With hard work, a bit of sacrifice, and lots of pride he created a warm and loving home for their family.  He gave his children the opportunity for quality education, the guide to be successful, and the belief that anything could be accomplished if you put your mind to it.  He loved becoming a grandfather.  He was less firm, rules could be broken, and his grand kids could do no wrong.  Frank had a great circle of friends.  For decades he and Sis took annual trips to Aruba with a large group of friends. At one point the group reached 20 and they’d always come home filled with comical stories.  There were also trips to Italy, Bermuda, Alaska, California, Disney World, European river cruises, and even a six-week road trip across the United States. 

Frank enjoyed sports and could often be found biking, hiking, and playing racquetball and tennis. He was instrumental in organizing hiking trips and established a lasting love of the outdoors for his family. Frank was humble, never wanted to be the center of attention, but appreciated being part of the gang, and would do anything for anyone in need.  Frank will be lovingly remembered by all that knew him. 

Frank was the beloved husband of Catherine “Sis” (Mahoney). He was the loving father of Christine St. Martin & her husband Bill of Boxborough, Janet Caliri of Truth or Consequences, NM, Frank Caliri & his wife Cassandra of Dallas, TX, and Mark Caliri & his wife Amy of Townsend.  Brother of Charles & his wife Carolyn Caliri of Northborough, and the late Jaqueline Caliri.  He was the proud grandfather of Derek St. Martin & his wife Linh, Alexa Rosenberry & her husband Keegan, Tristan St. Martin, Sedona Vickers & her husband Cash, Samantha, Alexandra, and Maxwell Caliri and great grandfather of Rowan & Obi Vickers. 

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Friday, March 1 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Saturday, March 2 at 9 a.m. Followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, www.stveronicama.org, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Frank’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.  For online guestbook, video tribute & obituary see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net