Robert Anthony Calise

Robert Anthony Calise, 62, passed away Aug. 6, 2026, after a tenacious 21-year fight with cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his family and his favorite music and showed to the very end how much he wanted to hold on to this good life.

Rob was born in 1963 to Attilio (Art) and Maria Calise, joining his two older brothers, Nick and Art, in an apartment on East 2nd Street in Brooklyn. He grew up in Farmingdale, Long Island, and Hollywood, Florida, and was, by then, the middle brother in a pack of five siblings. He took up guitar at an early age, driving his dad crazy in a small South Florida house and jamming with his brothers in his free time. He sang and acted while a student at South Broward High School in Hollywood.

Rob joined the Navy immediately out of high school and proudly served for over 20 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. His military career as a Hospital Corpsman took him across the world, with duty stations in Florida, Japan, Guam, Washington state, California, Virginia and Maryland. While serving his country, Rob earned his bachelor’s degree and trained to become a respiratory therapist. He continued his work in healthcare for another decade after retiring from the Navy, touching countless lives as a respiratory therapist at Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, Maryland.

Rob’s true passion was music. He rocked stages everywhere from Guam to South Florida. Rob pursued his craft relentlessly, earning an advanced degree in Music Theory from Berklee College of Music. His talent and utter enjoyment of the craft shone through, whether it was a basement jam session with his brothers or performing in local bands — including a memorable KISS cover band (in which he wielded a bedazzled guitar and wore full KISS-inspired garb). Rob was happiest with a guitar in his hands or at a Joe Satriani or Steve Vai concert. He was a true rock ‘n’ roll aficionado.

Rob’s personality and love for rock ’n’ roll came together in one of his favorite life stories: proposing to the love of his life, Lori. With a little help from legendary KISS frontman Gene Simmons, Rob pulled off an unforgettable proposal, winning Lori’s heart with true rock-star flair. He and Lori married in 2015 and brought together two well-loved, beautiful families. His strength and tenacity throughout his cancer journey, along with the tender care and fierce advocacy of Lori and his whole family, meant that Rob got to experience being a grandad to many wonderful little human beings.

Rob’s musical legacy lives on vividly through his family. Rob taught his granddaughter to play guitar; she will carry his gift and passion with her for the rest of her life.

He was preceded in death by his father, Attilio Calise. He is survived by his loving wife, Lori Calise; mother, Maria Calise; daughters, Michelle Calise and Kimberly Washbond (Joel); stepchildren, AJ Calaluca (Alina) and Brittany Calaluca (Brett); siblings, Nicholas (Julie), Arthur (Cathy), Michael (Alissa), and Patrice (Robert); 10 cherished grandchildren; loving extended family members, Patty and Geoff Schwartz; and a host of nieces, nephews and greats.

His family takes comfort in knowing that Rob is finally free from suffering and at peace, and lives in the hope that he’s jamming in Heaven with his favorite artists, with his dog Cyndi by his side. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Rob lived a vibrant life marked by dedicated service to his country, a commitment to healing others, and an abiding, lifelong passion for music. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rob’s charity of choice, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or to the Fender Play Foundation, which is dedicated to making music education free and accessible to every student. Thank you to all who supported Rob and his family over the years with prayers, kindness, companionship and love.