Armand Joseph Calouro

PAWCATUCK - It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Armand 'AJ' Joseph Calouro, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026 at the age of 82.AJ was born at the Westerly Hospital in Westerly, Rhode Island, AJ grew up in Stonington, Connecticut, the son of the late Christina Calouro and Armand Sousa Calouro. AJ attended Stonington High School and then he chose to enlist and serve as a signalman in the United States Navy for 4 years. Being a member of the Navy was a source of great pride for AJ and also gave him the ability to travel which he loved.AJ inherited his fathers strong work ethic and like his father, he was steady, reliable, and happiest when providing for the people he loved. AJs kindness, and dedication to his family were reflections of his mother, who held their home together with love, strength, and tireless care. His parents lived lives of hard work and quiet resilience, and AJ carried that legacy proudly throughout his own life.AJ was a volunteer fireman at the Stonington Fire Dept. and worked on the fishing boats in Stonington and then at the Velvet Mill as a velvet weaver before moving on to Electric Boat, first as a sheet metal worker and later in electrical planning for 10 years. He then went to Pfizer as a chemical operator working rotating shifts but then became interested in electrical work through Pfizer and decided to earn his journeyman license which he used to work as electrician at Pfizer for 22 years until his retirement. Retirement did not slow AJ down. He worked as a starter at Elmridge Golf Course for over 20 years and also worked at Stonington Country Club. He was a member of the Westerly Yacht Club since 2002 and a longtime member of Elmridge Golf Course. A passionate golfer, AJ traveled widely to play the sport he loved, with trips to Myrtle Beach, The Villages, and courses throughout Florida. He also traveled cross country to Nevada, California, Arizona and also a trip to the Azores to see where his family roots were with his wife Linda. He was also a fan of the Washington Commanders, the New England Patriots, Notre Dame and Boston College football teams. He also loved to watch the New York Yankees baseball team.AJ had a passion for sports and refereed for Westerly Peewee Football and also high school and college level. He also coached Little League in Westerly and Pawcatuck, and coached basketball at St. Michael's, helping establish one of the schools early basketball teams.AJ was a devoted husband of 46 years to his loving and devoted wife Linda who dedicated herself to his care until the very end. AJ also leaves behind his children and their spouses, Russell and his wife Chandra of Westerly, Rhode Island, Thomas and his wife Jamie of Harrisville, Rhode Island, Jason and his wife Stephanie of Lisbon, Connecticut, and Jennifer and her husband Chandler of Mansfield, Massachusetts.AJ had nine grandchildren Caitlyn, Miranda, Ryan, Aaron, Taegan, Calla, Cameron, Raegan, and Liam, and three great-grandchildren, Cooper, Marcus and Natalie. AJ will be remembered for his sarcastic humor, loyalty, his love of sports especially golf and football and proudly watching all of his grandchildren playing sports.Our family would like to thank all the wonderful people, family, friends and co-workers that came to our home in support of AJ and our family. All the visits, food, hugs, shoulders to cry on, and kind words were so very much appreciated. Linda is also thankful for all the friends and family that stayed with him which allowed for her to get out of the house for a little mental clarity. We would also like to thank Masonicare Hospice of Norwich without them we would never have been able to keep AJ at home surrounded by his loving family! A special thanks to Stephanie, Elyse, Sara, Jackie, Florenzia, Aaron and all the special people at Masonicare!A Funeral Liturgy will be held at St. Michael's Church, 60 Liberty St., Pawcatuck at 10am on Thursday, March 12th. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Stonington Cemetery, 345 North Main St., Stonington. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to St. Michael's School, the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center or a local youth sports organization of your choice. Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly is in charge of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com