Frank Calanda, Jr.
Frank Calandra, Jr. (84) passed away on Friday, September 16, 2022. In 1972, Frank and his brother Jack Calandra founded Jennmar Corp. and aggressively began to reshape production and safety methods in underground mining. Frank’s work ethic was forged by his time spent in the army and learning from his parents in the steel mills collecting scrap during his childhood. Frank was president at Jennmar from 1972 until 2018. During his tenure at Jennmar, there was a direct correlation in reducing underground fatal mine injuries from 150 a year in 1972 to under 5 a year by 2018. He is responsible for creating over 20 patents in roof control design for underground mining, and his companies are associated with well over 100 additional patents. Many lives were saved and improved because of his hard work and devotion as President of Jennmar for 46 years. His favorite mottos were, “If you think you did good, do better!” and “Treat your customers like you would treat a friend.” Frank was inducted into the National Coal Mining Hall of Fame in 2019. He also served as a board member for the National Mining Association. A perfect day for Frank included taking his children to school in the morning and working 8 to 12 hours a day at the office with his esteemed co-workers at Jennmar. He would always end the day at the kitchen table with his wife and children. Frank was an avid golfer. He was admired and respected for his overwhelming generosity and philanthropic efforts. Some of his favorite charities were Family House, Children’s Hospital, and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.
