Dennis W. Kaleta, 70
Dateline: Mansfield, MA
Dennis W. Kaleta, 70, of Mansfield died unexpectedly on Monday January 29, 2007 at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. He was the beloved husband of Irene V. (Thum) Kaleta to whom he was wed to on January 23, 1960.
Born in Boston, MA on July 7, 1936 he was a loving son of the late Frank and Olive M. (Enman) Prohodsky.
He spent part of his childhood living in Everett where he also attended school. He later moved to Mansfield and was a 1954 graduate of Mansfield High School where he excelled in football. He went on to graduate from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst where he was a two year starter at wide receiver for the football team. He served in the United States Air Force from 1955-1958 and was honorably discharged with the rank of A1C. While serving in the Air Force he was stationed in Hawaii.
Mr. Koleta was employed as a General Director of Building Management for John Hancock Life Insurance at Boston headquarters for over 35 years prior to retirement.
Dennis was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Mansfield. He was also a former member of the Mansfield Planning Board. He was an avid wood carver and enjoyed the outdoors. He was also a member of the Mansfield Fish and Game Club. Mr. Kaleta had made his home in Mansfield for most of his life and enjoyed wintering in Florida.
In addition to his beloved wife of over 47 years he is survived by his devoted children Elaine A. Salachi and her husband Alex of Mansfield and Michael D. Kaleta, Sr. and his wife Dora of San Ramon, California. His dear brother John D. Kaleta and his wife Kathleen of Mansfield. His cherished grandchildren Emma C. Salachi and Adam C. Salachi both of Mansfield and Michael D. Kaleta, Jr. and Noah N. Kaleta both of San Ramon, California. Also surviving are his loving nieces Maureen Maynard and Colleen D’Alessandro both of Salem and his dear sister-in-law Eleanor Thum of Lincoln, R.I.
His funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Saturday February 3rd at 10:00 A.M. from the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home 55 North Main St. Mansfield followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated at 11:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt St. (Route 106) Mansfield. Military honors will follow at the conclusion of services. Burial will be at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Mansfield.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday February 2nd from 4-7 P.M. at the funeral home.
Those wishing may remember Dennis with a donation made in his memory to the charity of one’s choice.
For additional information please visit www.shermanjackson.com