Philip C. Calafati, Jr.

Philip C. Calafati, Jr., 88, of Sellersville, passed away Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at his residence. Many who knew him and loved him affectionately referred to him by his nickname “Chubby.”

Born in Lansdale, he was the son of the late Philip J. Sr. and Frances (Raffaela) Calafati.

He was the beloved husband of the late Joan (Wilson) Calafati for 56 years until her death in 2015.

Chubby was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during the Korean War.

He had been employed as a structural steel draftsman, working for Bethlehem Steel in Allentown, PA and F.M. Weaver in Lansdale, PA, before proudly owning and operating the former Cal-Tech Detailing, Inc., a structural steel detailing firm. As a young professional, he was involved in building the first casino in Atlantic City, Resorts Casino, and he lent his drafting expertise to family in building homes and projects for their personal use.

He was a long-time faithful member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, since moving his young family to the Sellersville area in the early 1960’s, attending Mass every day.

He was also a proud long-time member of the Men of Malvern in Malvern, PA for over 50 years, attending the Retreat House each year without fail. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Chubby was an avid sports lover and, as a young man, he was an exceptional athlete. He had a keen mind for mathematics, which he used in his profession. Throughout his life he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in their sports and activities. Any given fall Sunday, after Mass, you could find Chubby rooting (aka: yelling) for his beloved Eagles to pull out a win.

When he was a young father, he took time out from supporting his family to become a coach and mentor in many of his children’s endeavors. People in the community remember him for the volunteering he did and involvement in multiple youth sports programs, giving his time and encouragement to all.

Chubby had a zest for life, enjoying time with family most of all, and inviting old and new friends into the fold. He was the life of the party and always made everyone feel at home. It didn’t matter if it was a Crab Fest or just an impromptu get- together, Chubby was always fun to be around.

He is survived by his four children: Mark Calafati and his wife, Barbara, of Mertztown, PA, Diana Lynn Coleman and her husband, Brooks, Terry Ann Maseloff and her husband, Andrew, all of Quakertown, and Lisa Beth Barrett and her husband, John, of West Chester; eight grandchildren: Mitchell Coleman and his wife, Kelly, Tyler Coleman and his wife, Ali, Lisa Massa and her husband, Steven, Philip T. Calafati, Derek Maseloff, Olivia Maseloff, Anna Barrett, and Ava Barrett; and a brother, James Calafati, and his wife, Terri, of Quakertown.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Dominic Anthony Calafati and Francis “Frank” Calafati.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am, Tuesday, August 24, in St. Agnes Catholic Church, 445 North Main Street, Sellersville, PA 18960, with a visitation from 9:45 until 10:45 a.m. Interment will follow in St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont, PA.

Chubby suffered his first heart attack in his late 20s and a second in his 40s. Despite his weak heart muscle, we were always amazed at his stamina and “Strong Heart.” He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

To honor that strong heart and in lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association, 300 5th Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451 or online at https://www.heart.org.