Gino "Chuck" Carl Calcagno

Gino Carl Calcagno

2/22/1950  - 12/5/2019

Gino ‘Chuck’ Calcagno, 69, son, brother, father, husband and friend passed away on the afternoon of December 5th after a lion-hearted effort to beat colon cancer. His mantra has always been “never, ever give up”. And he never did. He kept fighting everything thrown at him with such positive humor and grace.

Chuck was born in Portland Oregon where his parents farmed and he rode on apple crates in the back of his uncle’s truck. He played Little League. He watched his mother roll out homemade pasta on the kitchen table. He and his buddies cruised the streets of Sandy Blvd looking for mischief in teen years, sometimes ending up at his Aunt Toni’s restaurant, where she’d scoot them all home.  Chuck attended Parkrose High School where he played on the Broncos football team and graduated in 1969. Working toward a teaching degree he attended Mt Hood Community College and Portland State University. He loved history and could describe iconic events in absolute detail. But inspired by a talented uncle, he switched gears and began his construction career as a concrete finisher, then working for SD Deacon as Project Manager and later starting his own company. The past 30+ years Chuck has been employed with Hoffman Construction as Field Superintendent.  He valued working for Hoffman, being on large building sites in and out of the country. He knew the value of hard work and the celebration of a good time and he did both with unbridled enthusiasm.

He was a tough man to impress, observant and generous. Incredibly witty and always had a great story to tell over a big fat cigar.  He loved to cook and have parties. He was a life time member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, joining in its very early years. Also the Mule Deer Foundation and the NWTF. He absolutely loved and respected the outdoors. His passion for hunting and fishing began with his father at an early age and the cherished memories now continue on with his boys.

Above all else in his life he loved his family with all his heart. He was loved and cared for by the love of his life Karen, until he passed. He is survived by his wife Karen Calcagno, Siblings Terri Ann (Dan) Calcagno-Zeilinski and Tim Calcagno. Children Christopher (Carrie) and Gina (Michael) Calcagno-Reed, Step-Children Lisa (Tom) Barker, Alex (Lexy) Carman, Erica (Kincaid) Nicholas, Honorary Son Billy (Kelsey) Belden, Grandchildren Jessica (Ken), Ryan (Megan), Taylor (Chris), Emily, Andrew, Zoey, Baby Mary, Step Grandchildren Kara, Garrett, Honorary Grandchildren Riley, Kendyl, Layla, Great Grandchildren Jack, Ken Jr, Lilly, Emma, Aaleiya, Emma, Rosalie, his first wife Christine (Randy) Draper, mother to Christopher and Gina, Mother In Law Margaret Peterson, the Peterson family and his beloved companions Clifford and Mia.

He is preceded in death by his parents Angelo and Lena, older brother Angelo and his late wife Cathy Calcagno, mother to Lisa.

His big smile will be missed every day by many.

Interment will be private.

A Celebration of Chuck’s Life will be held February 22, 2020.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in honor of Chuck and his never ending courage to https://paltown.org/donate   Paltown Development Foundation, 969 Diggs Road, Crownsville, MD 20132

Chucks family is grateful for the care provided by Dr. Arthur Gaskell and Dr. Wesley Rippey of Adventist Hospital, Dr. Daniel Herzig and Dr. Thomas of OHSU and Dr. Anthony VanHo and our family of nurses and staff at Portland Rose Quarter Compass Oncology. And finally for the exceptional care by Care Partners Hospice.