Paul John Caliendo, 79, of Tinton Falls, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026. Born on December 1, 1946, in Long Branch, New Jersey, Paul was the beloved son of John Caliendo and Betty Morris Caliendo. Paul lived a life defined by music, creativity, and deep devotion to those he loved. A graduate …
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Paul John Caliendo, 79, of Tinton Falls, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026.
Born on December 1, 1946, in Long Branch, New Jersey, Paul was the beloved son of John Caliendo and Betty Morris Caliendo.
Paul lived a life defined by music, creativity, and deep devotion to those he loved. A graduate of Shore Regional High School in West Long Branch, he went on to earn both a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Music Education from Monmouth University.
Before beginning his distinguished career in education, Paul spent a decade as a touring professional musician and co-founder of the band Waterfront, performing throughout the United States in clubs, concerts, recordings, and television appearances. He later served as Band Director at Point Pleasant Borough from 1982 to 2014, where he shaped generations of young musicians with his passion, discipline, and humor.
Paul remained deeply engaged in the arts throughout his life. He performed in numerous local theater productions and off-Broadway, appeared in film and television, and was a familiar presence both on stage and in the pit orchestra, performing in and conducting musical theater productions across the region. His contributions to the arts community also included performing with the Toms River Municipal Band and serving as a board member of the Monmouth Symphony.
He was a man of faith, a lifelong learner, and someone who embraced life with curiosity and conviction. He loved spirited conversations about food and politics, followed tennis with enthusiasm, and was a loyal Yankees fan when they were winning, which he might argue was simply good judgment.
Above all, Paul was deeply proud of his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemary Vloyanetes Caliendo; his daughter, Katharine Caliendo, and her husband, Dr. Ryan Crooks; his son, John Caliendo, and Victoria Meade; his sister, Ceil Langa, and her husband, Alex Langa; as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families.
While Paul’s life was rich with accomplishments and passions, it was his love for family and friends that defined him most. He will be remembered for his warmth, his wit, his generosity of spirit, and the enduring impact he made on all who knew him.
Visitation will be Friday, March 20th, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell Street, Long Branch. Interment will be private.
For messages of condolence, please visit Paul’s page of tributes at www.woolleyboglioli.com
Mia M
left a message on April 4, 2026:
My deepest condolences, Mr. C was such a truly kind and wonderful man. Though I was not in band, I was a student in preforming arts and I remember him so fondly. I was shocked and saddened by this news of course but too, memories came flooding back. Just anytime we saw each other we would share a hello and a smile, have simple chats, appreciating the sunshine outside or talking about music, such a remarkable person. Thank you Mr. C, you made me feel seen, you touched my heart just simply by being your wonderful self. You were kind and talented and so very admired. He was a special soul and my heart is with his family and friends at this time. May he rest peacefully.
Jonathan Dauermann
left a message on March 31, 2026:
I only recently learned of Paul's passing. I only met him four years ago, when we were both cast members of a theatre production performing down in Rahway. In addition to being an absolute professional, patient and princely in his manners and bearing, Paul was an excellent actor. Honestly, I think he was the very best actor out of the entire cast, certainly better than me. He was so confident and grounded and truthful. I was surprised to learn from reading about his life how he was actually much more focused on music and education throughout his life. He was truly a talented artist, but his greatest skill was in being a man. I was very privileged to have met and worked with him, and I will miss him dearly.
Dianne Ruggeri
left a message on March 24, 2026:
Paul was a colleague and dear friend. We served on the executive board of the 🎶 All Shore Honor’s Band 🎵 for years. I performed in show pit orchestras where Paul was in the cast. Rich memories of our times together.
I am very sorry and we will all feel his loss.
God Bless.
Robert & Cheryl Miller
left a message on March 21, 2026:
We just learned of Paul's passing and are shocked and deeply saddened. Paul was a very friendly, caring person! He was fun to be around and always upbeat. Whenever we saw him, he would ask how we're doing and then tell us what was happening with him.
Paul was also an exceptional drummer and didn't miss a beat! We remember seeing him on drums a number of years back and were very impressed by his talent and ability.
We'll always remember Paul as a very talented man and a special cousin!
Sam Boryeskne
left a message on March 21, 2026:
Mr. C, there is so much to say yet I feel at a loss for words. I am eternally grateful for your kindness, mentorship, and encouragement throughout my time in the Point Pleasant Boro bands and beyond. You did not just teach me how to play the saxophone; you taught me how to enjoy the art of music wholeheartedly. Your legacy and passion will live on through all you have touched with your guidance and presence.
With love and gratitude,
The Boryeskne family
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jeanne M. Vloyanetes
left a message on March 21, 2026:
In memory of Paul John Caliendo, Jeanne M. Vloyanetes lit a candle
Eddie Durazzo
left a message on March 20, 2026:
I am so sorry to hear of your passing, Mr. Caliendo. I always enjoyed your visits when coming at my job. You were always gracious and very kind. Despite never being part, your knowledge of music and drama brought people together. We always looked forward to your performances. You were a huge asset to the schools Arts an Entertainment programs. Thank you for all those great years and sll the wonderful memories. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You will be truly missed. Rest easy my friend.
Linda and Jim Nordin
left a message on March 20, 2026:
Dear Mrs. Langa
So sorry to hear of Paul's passing. The Lord will care for him now. He is safely home.
We still have the Cutco knives he sold us when we were first married. Much Love
Matt Warwick
left a message on March 20, 2026:
Mr. C helped build the foundation of my deep love of music and sound that I have today. Wish we could have caught up one last time so I could have told you this myself. Thank you for those incredibly important years.
Jennifer Moberg
left a message on March 20, 2026:
We were so very saddened to hear of Paul's passing! He was a wonderful person, always smiling, always a warm greeting! I have many fond memories of his musical direction of the comp band when hmy son, Jonathan Miller was in it! My heart goes out to Katie, John and Rosemary, our deepest condolences. He will surely be missed!
Betty Torode
left a message on March 19, 2026:
In memory of Paul John Caliendo, Betty Torode lit a candle
Betty Torode
left a message on March 19, 2026:
Took me a day to put proper words together to share the sense of loss that has brought heartache upon hearing of a friend's passing. I am now in my 70 s and reflecting on the hindsight of my life. I was blessed by 3 educators who had a great influence in my life. These educators changed my life for the better and who I hold in the highest esteem. One of them was Paul Caliendo who taught my son and shared lessons of dedication and conviction to every student and family who welcomed him on their life path.
I could not have chosen a better mentor or advocate for my son. He drew out his talent, his creativity and his self confidence like no other educator. He instilled a passion and respect for music within him. He was a welcomed celebrant with any of his milestones. Opening doors for Chris Torode, also opened doors for his parents, as we supported our son and Paul Caliendo' s visions of excellence, dedication and respect. Because of him, one of my bucket lists of seeing Phantom of the Opera, on Broadway, became a reality. Our son is a better man because of his school and post school relationship with him.
He was a man of conviction and for most things, agreeing or agreeing to disagree became a skill of artful discourse. When it didn't, it was a needed break to preserve the friendship.
The world has lost a great man and an inspiring soul. My heartfelt condolences to Rosemary, Katie, Ryan , John and Victoria All are in my prayers.
Walt caruba
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Paul and I were best of friends a million years ago. We worked at a restaurant as bus boys. We road motorcycles all over the shore. Midnight burgers at embers in west long branch. We bought triumph sports cars. I remember his first band. I saw them perform at the stone pony in asbury. Paul was of course on drums, they played you keep me hanging on vanilla fudge style, Paul was magnificent that night! We talked about that night recently. He said that was his all time favorite solo. He lived a magical life. Touched so many people. We all lost a wonderful man. He will be missed. Rest easy old friend
Kate Drew
left a message on March 18, 2026:
My thoughts are with the Caliendo family during this difficult time.
Mr. Caliendo was a pillar in the Point Boro performing arts department. I was lucky to have Mr. Caliendo as my 5th grade band teacher, from 2009-2010. I did not know until my years in comp. band just how important Mr. Caliendo's legacy was - from the importance of "Eyes with Pride" to simply being "on time" - man you'd better be early!
Mr. Caliendo was my very first introduction to learning how to read music and play an instrument. I can remember early mornings at Ocean Road playing the flute before heading off to class. Even being pulled for small group band lessons, Mr. Caliendo instilled a love for music in me (although I may have fibbed on how many minutes I practiced on my practice log...). I thought it so special when Mr. Caliendo told my 5th grade band class that he wrote us a song to play, called "Ragtime Frolic." It was genuinely the most daunting piece of music to play at that age... mostly because it was the first time there was a high Eb multiple times! Despite the challenge, Mr. Caliendo encouraged us that we could successfully pull it off.
Once I reached high school, I felt honored to play 4 years with him in the pit orchestra. Having sat next to him in the woodwind section, we often conversed. I thought it was so awesome that I got to play my instrument next to the teacher who taught me how to do it!
None of this was more full circle when Mr. Visco allowed us to play "Ragtime Frolic" again, in 2017, during my senior year. He invited Mr. Caliendo to conduct us one last time at the concert. I can still picture the joy on Mr. Caliendo's face. Something I can truly never forget.
I was honored to catch up with Mr. Caliendo at the Boro's homecoming game two years ago, and felt humbled to tell him that he was one of the many teachers who inspired my own career as a teacher myself.
Mr. Caliendo was a wise and caring man, with a deep love for music, and instilling that to others. We already miss you.
Thank you, Mr. Caliendo.
Dawn Springer
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Rosemary, Kate,John and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. We feel honored to have known him and all of you! The experiences of him as a person and a teacher were very special! I had a front row seat to him as a teacher and Comp Band Leader. It was so special to see him interact with his students. I know first hand of the positive influence, support and love he gave to his students. The impact it had is something that helped shape and change many students lives. My child was one of them. Thank you for being “That Teacher”. Entrusting our children to teachers everyday is such a special and important job! Thank you Mr. “C” May all those young lives you touched and helped shape pay it forward. Rest in peace until we all meet again………
Mike Wilcox
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Words are not enough to express my sorrow today. I loved him like a brother. Many happy memories of Paul, his parents and Ceil while we were in school. He and I had a memorable trip to visit the apartment of Ed Sullivan on the upper east side of NYC. We picked up a tape recording of Ed Sullivan introducing Conrad Birdie for our production of Bye Bye Birdie at Shore Regional. Sincere condolences to Rosemary, Jeanne, John, Katie, Ceil and Al Langa.
Rob Coben
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Paul and I graduated from Shore Regional High School together and were at Monmouth College (University) at the same time. Our paths crossed many times over the years and every time I saw him it was like I’d just seen him yesterday. He was a tremendously talented guy In who will be missed by all who knew him.
[Inside joke for Paul: “……….What now?……,” ]
Rob Coben
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Paul and I graduated from Shore Regional High School together and were at Monmouth College (University) at the same time. Our paths crossed many times over the years and every time I saw him it was like I’d just seen him yesterday. He was a tremendously talented guy who will be missed by all who knew him.
[Inside joke for Paul: “……….What now?……,” ]
John Staryak
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Pail was a good friend and colleague. We shared a love of music. I remember playing in the pit band at Point Borough HS under his direction. I was also a member of the Nairobi Trio. We played as an actual trio for A Charlie Brown Christmas with Jack Six from the Dave Brubek Quartet. We went to see Vanilla Fudge at the Stone Pony and they started after midnight. The next morning required extra coffee. Paul had a positive effect on countless students. He will indeed be missed.
The Golden Family
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Prayers to the Caliendo Family on the loss of their husband & father.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Dorian Parreott
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Caliendo family, local 399 American Federation of Musicians are very sad to hear of the passing of one of our members. Dorian Parreott family
Bill Deisinger
left a message on March 18, 2026:
A heartwarming obituary for a wonderful guy, for a life so well lived and an unforgettable best friend.
Mae Evans (Nagle)
left a message on March 18, 2026:
You made me love band and broadway. You impacted my life more than you know. I know I was a shitty teen sometimes but you clearly loved us all like children. Thank you for some of the best memories of my life that I now share with my own music loving family
Faith Ende
left a message on March 18, 2026:
My deepest heartfelt sympathies to Rosemary, John, Katharine and family.
brooke mindnich
left a message on March 18, 2026:
In memory of Paul John Caliendo, brooke mindnich lit a candle
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Mia M
left a message on April 4, 2026:
My deepest condolences, Mr. C was such a truly kind and wonderful man. Though I was not in band, I was a student in preforming arts and I remember him so fondly. I was shocked and saddened by this news of course but too, memories came flooding back. Just anytime we saw each other we would share a hello and a smile, have simple chats, appreciating the sunshine outside or talking about music, such a remarkable person. Thank you Mr. C, you made me feel seen, you touched my heart just simply by being your wonderful self. You were kind and talented and so very admired. He was a special soul and my heart is with his family and friends at this time. May he rest peacefully.
Jonathan Dauermann
left a message on March 31, 2026:
I only recently learned of Paul's passing. I only met him four years ago, when we were both cast members of a theatre production performing down in Rahway. In addition to being an absolute professional, patient and princely in his manners and bearing, Paul was an excellent actor. Honestly, I think he was the very best actor out of the entire cast, certainly better than me. He was so confident and grounded and truthful. I was surprised to learn from reading about his life how he was actually much more focused on music and education throughout his life. He was truly a talented artist, but his greatest skill was in being a man. I was very privileged to have met and worked with him, and I will miss him dearly.
Dianne Ruggeri
left a message on March 24, 2026:
Paul was a colleague and dear friend. We served on the executive board of the 🎶 All Shore Honor’s Band 🎵 for years. I performed in show pit orchestras where Paul was in the cast. Rich memories of our times together.
I am very sorry and we will all feel his loss.
God Bless.
Robert & Cheryl Miller
left a message on March 21, 2026:
We just learned of Paul's passing and are shocked and deeply saddened. Paul was a very friendly, caring person! He was fun to be around and always upbeat. Whenever we saw him, he would ask how we're doing and then tell us what was happening with him.
Paul was also an exceptional drummer and didn't miss a beat! We remember seeing him on drums a number of years back and were very impressed by his talent and ability.
We'll always remember Paul as a very talented man and a special cousin!
Sam Boryeskne
left a message on March 21, 2026:
Mr. C, there is so much to say yet I feel at a loss for words. I am eternally grateful for your kindness, mentorship, and encouragement throughout my time in the Point Pleasant Boro bands and beyond. You did not just teach me how to play the saxophone; you taught me how to enjoy the art of music wholeheartedly. Your legacy and passion will live on through all you have touched with your guidance and presence.
With love and gratitude,
The Boryeskne family
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jeanne M. Vloyanetes
left a message on March 21, 2026:
In memory of Paul John Caliendo, Jeanne M. Vloyanetes lit a candle
Eddie Durazzo
left a message on March 20, 2026:
I am so sorry to hear of your passing, Mr. Caliendo. I always enjoyed your visits when coming at my job. You were always gracious and very kind. Despite never being part, your knowledge of music and drama brought people together. We always looked forward to your performances. You were a huge asset to the schools Arts an Entertainment programs. Thank you for all those great years and sll the wonderful memories. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You will be truly missed. Rest easy my friend.
Linda and Jim Nordin
left a message on March 20, 2026:
Dear Mrs. Langa
So sorry to hear of Paul's passing. The Lord will care for him now. He is safely home.
We still have the Cutco knives he sold us when we were first married. Much Love
Matt Warwick
left a message on March 20, 2026:
Mr. C helped build the foundation of my deep love of music and sound that I have today. Wish we could have caught up one last time so I could have told you this myself. Thank you for those incredibly important years.
Jennifer Moberg
left a message on March 20, 2026:
We were so very saddened to hear of Paul's passing! He was a wonderful person, always smiling, always a warm greeting! I have many fond memories of his musical direction of the comp band when hmy son, Jonathan Miller was in it! My heart goes out to Katie, John and Rosemary, our deepest condolences. He will surely be missed!
Betty Torode
left a message on March 19, 2026:
In memory of Paul John Caliendo, Betty Torode lit a candle
Betty Torode
left a message on March 19, 2026:
Took me a day to put proper words together to share the sense of loss that has brought heartache upon hearing of a friend's passing. I am now in my 70 s and reflecting on the hindsight of my life. I was blessed by 3 educators who had a great influence in my life. These educators changed my life for the better and who I hold in the highest esteem. One of them was Paul Caliendo who taught my son and shared lessons of dedication and conviction to every student and family who welcomed him on their life path.
I could not have chosen a better mentor or advocate for my son. He drew out his talent, his creativity and his self confidence like no other educator. He instilled a passion and respect for music within him. He was a welcomed celebrant with any of his milestones. Opening doors for Chris Torode, also opened doors for his parents, as we supported our son and Paul Caliendo' s visions of excellence, dedication and respect. Because of him, one of my bucket lists of seeing Phantom of the Opera, on Broadway, became a reality. Our son is a better man because of his school and post school relationship with him.
He was a man of conviction and for most things, agreeing or agreeing to disagree became a skill of artful discourse. When it didn't, it was a needed break to preserve the friendship.
The world has lost a great man and an inspiring soul. My heartfelt condolences to Rosemary, Katie, Ryan , John and Victoria All are in my prayers.
Walt caruba
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Paul and I were best of friends a million years ago. We worked at a restaurant as bus boys. We road motorcycles all over the shore. Midnight burgers at embers in west long branch. We bought triumph sports cars. I remember his first band. I saw them perform at the stone pony in asbury. Paul was of course on drums, they played you keep me hanging on vanilla fudge style, Paul was magnificent that night! We talked about that night recently. He said that was his all time favorite solo. He lived a magical life. Touched so many people. We all lost a wonderful man. He will be missed. Rest easy old friend
Kate Drew
left a message on March 18, 2026:
My thoughts are with the Caliendo family during this difficult time.
Mr. Caliendo was a pillar in the Point Boro performing arts department. I was lucky to have Mr. Caliendo as my 5th grade band teacher, from 2009-2010. I did not know until my years in comp. band just how important Mr. Caliendo's legacy was - from the importance of "Eyes with Pride" to simply being "on time" - man you'd better be early!
Mr. Caliendo was my very first introduction to learning how to read music and play an instrument. I can remember early mornings at Ocean Road playing the flute before heading off to class. Even being pulled for small group band lessons, Mr. Caliendo instilled a love for music in me (although I may have fibbed on how many minutes I practiced on my practice log...). I thought it so special when Mr. Caliendo told my 5th grade band class that he wrote us a song to play, called "Ragtime Frolic." It was genuinely the most daunting piece of music to play at that age... mostly because it was the first time there was a high Eb multiple times! Despite the challenge, Mr. Caliendo encouraged us that we could successfully pull it off.
Once I reached high school, I felt honored to play 4 years with him in the pit orchestra. Having sat next to him in the woodwind section, we often conversed. I thought it was so awesome that I got to play my instrument next to the teacher who taught me how to do it!
None of this was more full circle when Mr. Visco allowed us to play "Ragtime Frolic" again, in 2017, during my senior year. He invited Mr. Caliendo to conduct us one last time at the concert. I can still picture the joy on Mr. Caliendo's face. Something I can truly never forget.
I was honored to catch up with Mr. Caliendo at the Boro's homecoming game two years ago, and felt humbled to tell him that he was one of the many teachers who inspired my own career as a teacher myself.
Mr. Caliendo was a wise and caring man, with a deep love for music, and instilling that to others. We already miss you.
Thank you, Mr. Caliendo.
Dawn Springer
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Rosemary, Kate,John and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. We feel honored to have known him and all of you! The experiences of him as a person and a teacher were very special! I had a front row seat to him as a teacher and Comp Band Leader. It was so special to see him interact with his students. I know first hand of the positive influence, support and love he gave to his students. The impact it had is something that helped shape and change many students lives. My child was one of them. Thank you for being “That Teacher”. Entrusting our children to teachers everyday is such a special and important job! Thank you Mr. “C” May all those young lives you touched and helped shape pay it forward. Rest in peace until we all meet again………
Mike Wilcox
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Words are not enough to express my sorrow today. I loved him like a brother. Many happy memories of Paul, his parents and Ceil while we were in school. He and I had a memorable trip to visit the apartment of Ed Sullivan on the upper east side of NYC. We picked up a tape recording of Ed Sullivan introducing Conrad Birdie for our production of Bye Bye Birdie at Shore Regional. Sincere condolences to Rosemary, Jeanne, John, Katie, Ceil and Al Langa.
Rob Coben
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Paul and I graduated from Shore Regional High School together and were at Monmouth College (University) at the same time. Our paths crossed many times over the years and every time I saw him it was like I’d just seen him yesterday. He was a tremendously talented guy In who will be missed by all who knew him.
[Inside joke for Paul: “……….What now?……,” ]
Rob Coben
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Paul and I graduated from Shore Regional High School together and were at Monmouth College (University) at the same time. Our paths crossed many times over the years and every time I saw him it was like I’d just seen him yesterday. He was a tremendously talented guy who will be missed by all who knew him.
[Inside joke for Paul: “……….What now?……,” ]
John Staryak
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Pail was a good friend and colleague. We shared a love of music. I remember playing in the pit band at Point Borough HS under his direction. I was also a member of the Nairobi Trio. We played as an actual trio for A Charlie Brown Christmas with Jack Six from the Dave Brubek Quartet. We went to see Vanilla Fudge at the Stone Pony and they started after midnight. The next morning required extra coffee. Paul had a positive effect on countless students. He will indeed be missed.
The Golden Family
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Prayers to the Caliendo Family on the loss of their husband & father.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Dorian Parreott
left a message on March 18, 2026:
Caliendo family, local 399 American Federation of Musicians are very sad to hear of the passing of one of our members. Dorian Parreott family
Bill Deisinger
left a message on March 18, 2026:
A heartwarming obituary for a wonderful guy, for a life so well lived and an unforgettable best friend.
Mae Evans (Nagle)
left a message on March 18, 2026:
You made me love band and broadway. You impacted my life more than you know. I know I was a shitty teen sometimes but you clearly loved us all like children. Thank you for some of the best memories of my life that I now share with my own music loving family
Faith Ende
left a message on March 18, 2026:
My deepest heartfelt sympathies to Rosemary, John, Katharine and family.
brooke mindnich
left a message on March 18, 2026:
In memory of Paul John Caliendo, brooke mindnich lit a candle
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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