Condolences: Rod Calarco
• John Anthony “Rod” Calarco, best known for his three decades of service with CBS Radio, died of a heart attack on Oct. 12. He was 79.
Calarco began as a salesperson at WCBS-AM/New York, later rising to VP/GM of WCBS-FM, where he led the station during its ascent to No. 1 — and met his future wife of 26 years, Cathleen (Cathy) Kelly Calarco. He subsequently became VP and Group Head, overseeing operations across CBS-owned and operated FM radio stations.
Calarco’s career also included positions at ABC Television, CBS-owned WCAU-AM/Philadelphia and KRQR/San Francisco, and The CBS National Sales Rep Firm in Chicago. Calarco later joined WorldSpace International Radio, an early satellite radio venture. He began his sales career at WFAS-AM/White Plains, NY, returning years later as General Manager, a position he held until his retirement.
In addition to his wife, Cathy, Rod Calarco is survived by his children, Chris Calarco and wife, Suzanne; Rod S. Calarco; and Stephanie Calarco; five grandchildren, his brother, James Calarco; and many cousins.
A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in White Plains, NY, on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
