John D. Calandra

Who was John D. Calandra?

John D. Calandra, Jr. was a New York State Senator from the Bronx and chairman of the Bronx Republican Party. He grew up in the neighborhood of 'Villa Avenue' in the Bronx, belonging to St. Phillip Neri Church. A lawyer and former United States Attorney, Calandra ran unsuccessfully for the State Senate in 1962 and 1964, losing both times to Democrat Joseph Marine.

In 1965, he was elected by defeating Democrat James J. Farrell after the senatorial districts were redrawn to favor Republican candidates. In 1967, Calandra ran for Bronx District Attorney, but lost. In the New York State Senate, he rose to the rank of majority whip. He served in the State Senate until his death in 1986, aged 57, after suffering a series of heart attacks. He also served as chairman of the Bronx County Republican Party from 1970 until his death.