Parsippany Board Member With 'Grace, Insights,' Dies at 76

For more than 40 years the Parsippany Troy-Hills School District has had guidance from Dr. Frank Calabria, a board of education representative.

The district announced Tuesday afternoon that the longtime volunteer died Monday. He was 76.

During his time on the board, where he was elected in 1974 and served ever since, he was the board’s president for a total of 11 years.

“Dr. Calabria was a man of such grace, commitment, diligence, and insights it was an honor to call him our colleague and our friend,” a statement from the district said. “During his tenure he mentored numerous Board Members about leadership, service to our community, and making a difference in the lives of our students.”

Calabria graduated Seton Hall University in June 1963 and graduate school there in 1965. He received his Ph D. in Educational Administration from Fordham University in 1991 and served as a longtime teacher and administrator in his professional career.

“Dr. Calabria had the wisdom to embrace the changing world of education. He valued public education and dedicated his time on the Board to ensuring the students of Parsippany-Troy Hills received the best education possible,” the statement read. “His actions were always guided by our Mission Statement, …“to provide effective instruction in all program areas, to develop the learning potential of all students in the district, to build skills for a lifetime of learning…”

The administration finished its statement by saying, “Dr. Calabria lived by example he was good, kind, and gracious…our community has lost a dear friend and a significant leader in education.”

Pictured: Frank Calabria. Patch File Photo

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