Tom Calovini Obitary
Published 8:11pm on 29 Sep 2025
On June 21st, 2025 at 5:48pm Joseph Thomas Calovini, known as Tommy by his family, and Tom by his friends, took his final earthly flight, and received his permanent heavenly wings. His lifetime passion for flying began at the age of 14 when he worked painting power line towers to earn money to buy his first airplane. He was a member of The National Pilots Association. His love of flying was the one constant in his life, and the one thing he spoke of as he was about to turn 89, was his desire to be able to fly again.
Tom was a man who woke up every morning with a smile, a kind word, and anxious to go after what life was going to present him with that day. A gentleman always, he would walk away from confrontation in favor of pursuing something that brought joy to his life. He had ongoing health issues for most of his life, yet he never let it show or hold him back, preferring to face the day with joy and the prospect of perfecting his craft, and being appreciated for his contribution to someones business.
He had several career changes throughout his life; an Aircraft salesman, a stint in the US Air Force, a period where he joined his mother in running the nationally known Chatterbox Restaurant, later to become Calovinis Supper Club, as well as becoming a Professional Commercial Photographer, Specializing in Aerial Photography. He tied his interest in skiing, boating, sailing and windsurfing into managing a Surf Shop-Skateboard Shop for a short time, and Tom is still known to this day as Papa Surf by some of his then clients.
He was a graduate of Linsly Military Institute, where he completed a College Preparatory Course of Study, receiving his Diploma in June of 1954. He was a member of The Pershing Rifles serving as PR M/SGT Company A-1 Regiment (commendations). As an NRA Member in competitions, he received Junior Diplomas Certifying that he Qualified as Marksman, Marksman First Class, Pro-Marksman, and Sharpshooter. He was also a member of the Drum and Bugle Corp.
His continuing education was at Ohio State University School of Journalism where he received a BA in Public Relations. He successfully completed the Dale Carnegie Course in Effective Speaking and Human Relations. He served as photographer of the OSU Lantern, a skill he used professionally in the later part of his career.
His service in the US Air Force was cut short due to his fathers passing, making it necessary for him to return home and pick up with his mother, running their family restaurant business.
Tom was a true Renaissance Man a true gentleman, charismatic, educated, cultured, skilled, with a wide range of knowledge in many fields. He truly never knew a stranger, as his warm engaging personality put people at ease quickly making them feel important in his life.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph (Joe) Thomas, and Grace (Gracie Giangiacomo) Calovini; his sister Rosalie Camille (Calovini) Chasteen.
He is survived by Naomi, his loving wife and constant companion of over 35 years, a son Christopher Thomas Calovini, a granddaughter Haley, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
There will be a service to honor Joseph Thomas Calovini Sunday October 5th 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Central College Church Chapel, 975 S Sunbury Rd. Westerville, Ohio 43081