Louis “Sonny” Calabretta passed away peacefully the evening of Tuesday January 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Long Branch to Joseph and Florence Calabretta, Sonny was the oldest of their three children. He was a star basketball player for Long Branch High and drew crowds at every game with people coming out to see “Bucker” Calabretta.

Sonny met his future wife when they were just 11 years old. He and Sugie graduated in the Long Branch High School Class of 1952 and were married October 2, 1954. He was a Sergeant in the National Guard and worked with his family at Joseph Calabretta Inc, the block company. During this time, they had two children.

Sonny built the family home in Oakhurst and they moved there in 1971. When Joe Cal Inc was bought by Clayton Block Company, Sonny went with the new company where he remained working with the Clayton family until he retired at the age of 75 in order to spend more time with his wife and their family.

Sonny was an avid sports fan. He nearly played basketball professionally until he blew out his knee while attending Monmouth College. He played soccer, baseball, softball, and tennis for many years with various teams and friends. He traveled frequently with his family. He loved having his whole family surrounding him and being the patriarch. He played the accordion and piano and made a mean breakfast. He grilled a great burger and mixed many drinks in his time.

Sonny had a story for every occasion and would never fail to make you laugh. He was generous to a fault and always believed the best of people. There aren’t enough words to describe how much his family loved him and his unconditional love back. There aren’t enough words to describe how much he will be missed.

Sonny was predeceased by his beloved wife Sugie Calabretta (nee Klappholz) in 2020 and his son-in-law Noah Mann in 2023. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Wayne and Betty Ann Calabretta of Jackson; his daughter Lori Mann of Neptune; his granddaughter and her husband Kristen and Jim Clanton of Neptune; his granddaughter Jaime DeSantis of Oakhurst; and his great-granddaughter Bryce Clanton of Neptune.

Visitation Monday, February 3, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch.  Entombment Tuesday, February 4, 10:00 am at Woodbine Mausoleum.