Local distinguished Korean War veteran Ralph Calabrese dead at 92

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (WHEC) — Local Korean War veteran and New York State Hall of Famer Ralph Calabrese died at the age of 92 Sunday, his family told News10NBC.

Calabrese died at the VA Medical Center in Canandaigua, a place he took the lead on keeping open in the 1990s when it was on the list to be closed.

He was enshrined into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in 2012. According to the HOF, Calabrese received a number of decorations during his two years of service, including a Bronze Service Star, the Korean Service Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.

With his VA efforts, the HOF said Calabrese started a letter-writing campaign that saw over 100,000 submissions. In a 2015 News10NBC story, Calabrese spoke up about service cuts and delays within the VA system.

Calling hours will be held Sunday from 2-7 p.m.at the Fuller Funeral Home in Canandaigua. An 11:30 a.m. funeral mass will be held Monday at the St. Mary’s Church in Canandaigua. His burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.