Mr. Ernest J. Calandra, Sr., age 87, of 45 Kingswood Road, Bristol, died peacefully, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.  He was the husband of Marie L. (Diodati) Calandra, his wife of 59 years.

Born in Bristol and a lifelong resident, he was a son of the late Angelo and Sarah (Cortellessa) Calandra. He was a graduate of Colt Memorial High School, Bristol, Class of 1951.

He served in the R.I. Army National Guard for 12 years. Ernest was a custodian at the Roger Williams College, now University, in Bristol for 17 years, retiring in 1997. He was also a barber for George’s Barbershop in Newport for over 35 years.

He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and an avid New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan. He loved spending time with his family and trips with them, especially to New Hampshire.

He is survived in addition to his wife by two children, Monica Beres (the late Rev. Kenneth) of New Bedford, Mass., and Ernest J. Calandra, Jr. (Jeannine) of North Providence; three grandchildren, Tonya L. and Kyle L. Calandra and Amanda K. Beres; three brothers, Edward P. Calandra (Mary Lou) of Seattle, Wash., Leonard A. Calandra (Paula), and Angelo Calandra (Kathleen), and a sister, Madlyn A. McArdle (John), all of Bristol.

Funeral services from the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood St., Bristol, are Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at 10 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State St., Bristol. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol.

Visitation will be Wednesday morning only from 9 to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State St., Bristol, RI 02809.  For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com