Monmouth County Democrats Announce Passing of Long-Time Democratic Leader Joe Caliendo

Fellow Democrats,

It is with deep sorrow that I report the passing of Monmouth County Democratic leader Joseph P. Caliendo.

Joe spent over five decades leading the Democratic Party in Monmouth County. In 1962, Joe became a Democratic county committee member in Middletown. By 1969, Joe became the President of the Middletown Democratic Club. He led the Middletown Democrats for 25 years, 10 of which Democrats controlled the local offices. His commitment showed as he ensured decades of a full county committee slate in Monmouth’s largest town. Until his passing, Joe served as the Monmouth County Democratic Sergeant-at-Arms where he ensured that Democratic traditions were maintained within the party for years.

Joe was a committed labor leader as well. He spent 32 years leading the members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in Monmouth County. Joe retired in 1990, but continued to advocate for labor when he was elected President of the IBEW Local 400 Retiree Union. Joe was also the Vice-President of R.A.C. and served as a delegate for the Monmouth & Ocean Central Labor Council.

Joe’s number one priority was always his family. Joe was married to Patricia Caliendo for nearly 60 years. He is also survived by his three committed daughters, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Former Chairman Victor Scudiery offered the following thoughts on Joe's passing:

"Joe was a tremendous Democratic leader and ally to me throughout my 20 plus years as County Chairman. More than anything, he was a friend. I am heartbroken over his loss and my thoughts and prayers are with Pat and his entire family"

U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone also offered the following thoughts on Joe's life and legacy:

"The passing of Joe Caliendo is a tremendous loss to all who knew him and the entire community. His dedication to our shared Democratic values never wavered, and he championed our party for decades in Middletown and Monmouth County. I considered Joe a personal friend, extend his wife and his entire family my condolences, and join you all in mourning. We can honor his memory by continuing to stand strong for what we believe in, no matter how difficult the fight."

The viewing will be on Saturday, December 13th from 9:00am to 11:00am. It will be held at John Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown, NJ. A service will be held at the funeral home followed by the burial at Mount Olivet Cemetary, 100 Chapel Hill Road, Red Bank, NJ.

On a personal note, Joe introduced me to Democratic Party politics in Monmouth County and has been instrumental to my life during the past ten years. The Monmouth County Democratic Party has lost one of our greatest minds and hardest workers. He will be missed dearly.

Yours Truly,

Vin Gopal
Chairman, Monmouth County Democrats

Former Middletown Democratic Leader, Joe Caliendo Passes

The Middletown Democrats lost one of its own yesterday morning, when long time Democratic Party Chairman Joe Caliendo, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Joe will be sorely missed by many through out the county and here in Middletown.

At a time when Democrats here and around the country could really use a cantankerous bastard of Joe's caliber, they just lost one of their best! Our thoughts and prayers are with the Caliendo family during this time of loss and sorrow.

 R.I.P. Joe, we're going to miss you.

Below is an announcement that was published on the Middletown Democratic Executive Committee's Facebook page. If you knew Joe and  have a favorite story or antidote about him consider leaving in the comments of the Facebook announcement or here in the comments :

"It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our long time Chairman, Joe Caliendo. Joe passed away peacefully this morning after a long illness. Our love and condolences go out to Chairman Caliendo's wife Patrica and family.

No word yet on funeral arrangements, we'll pass them along when more is known."

Joe Caliendo Stepping Down As Middletown Dems Leader

Middletown Democratic Leader Joe Caliendo, announced last week that he was stepping down as Chairman of the Middletown Democratic Party to members of Middletown's Executive Committee.

Chairman Joe Caliendo

It came as a shock to the 50 or so members of the Executive Committee that were in attendance, he was just reappointed on June 11th as Chairman at the Executive Committee's Reorganization meeting.

Joe stated that after some very hard thinking and input from family members, he wasn't getting any younger (78 years old) and with a series of  health issues starting to plague him and a desire to spend more time with family he decided to step down.

Caliendo asked me to wait until he sent out his official resignation letter to Middletown's County Committee members before making the announcement:

" Dear County Committee,

After many hours of thoughtful consideration, I have decided that it is time for a change of the guard. The guard I refer to is the position of Middletown Democratic Party Chairman. I am announcing with this letter that I will be stepping down from this position effective with the election of a new chairman.

I have had the privilege of being Party Chair for 25 years. Over this time I have had the opportunity to meet and amazing group of dedicated and caring people. These people have worked with me to  further the principles of the Democratic Party. They have struggled with me to elect a reasoned voice here in Middletown that takes into consideration the needs of all our residents. These people include you, and your commitment has made it a very difficult decision to step down as Chairman.

I will continue to fight as a committeeman in my district to elect a Democratic Township Committee. We have an incredible team of enthusiastic and committed citizens here to help reach that goal. Future guidance for success will now be in the hands of the next Party Chairman.

As Sergeant-At-Arms of the Monmouth County Democrats, I will be working to get candidates elected on the County level.

It has been a rewarding journey and I thank you for all of the extraordinary memories!

Sincerely,

Joseph P. Caliendo "

There will be a special election of the Middletown Democratic Executive Committee to be held on July 18th, to elect a new Chairman. At this time there has been no announcement as to whom would be interested in succeeding Joe Caliendo as Chairman.

I know that I speak for all of Middletown's Democratic Committee members when I say that "I wish him well".

He has given his blood, sweat and tears to the Party for nearly fifty years as both a Monmouth County Committee member and Chairman of the Middletown Democrats.

Desevo Officially Resigns As Middletown Candidate; Replacement Candidate To Be Named Tomorrow Night

I received word a short while ago from Middletown Democratic Chairman Joe Caliendo, that he had officially received the resignation of Democratic candidate Alex Desevo and forwarded it on to the Monmouth County Clerk's office.

Caliendo said that a replacement candidate will be chosen tomorrow night to succeed Desevo on the November ballot, when names will be presented to the members of the full body of Middletown Democratic Executive Committee.

When I asked Chairman Caliendo the names of those who were interested in joining Jim Grenafege on the Democratic ticket this year, I was told with the understanding I was not to say anything until after the full Executive Committee had a chance to meeting give it's approval.

After hearing the names of those interested I can say this, there are names that are familiar and new to Committee members. It should make for an interesting meeting, I'll let everyone know afterwards.

Checkout the Asbury Park Press for some other details, I just noticed that they beat me to posting ( damn, I hate that I get home from work so late)