In Memoriam: Area Journalist, Editor, Mentor, Jody Calendar, 74

Area journalist, editor and mentor, Jody Calendar, passed away peacefully on July 14 in Holmdel. She was 74.

In the previous weeks, Jody had the chance to say goodbye to her beloved family members, many devoted friends, and past co-workers in journalism and education.

In her life and career she touched countless people with her compassion, talent, enthusiasm and love for children and animals …

“Jody worked her way up the ranks of The Asbury Park Press from cub reporter to associate editor, running the newsroom; and, she was the first female chair of the Editorial Board. She was especially known for environmental and investigative journalism and won many awards for her work. She was a major seminar leader at The American Press Institute and The Poynter Institute, and was on the board of The Associated Press, and was known for her ability to mentor young reporters and college students in her classes at Rutgers and Brookdale.

“Jody was also a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, a loyal friend and a loving pet-owner, who will be fondly remembered by family and friends for creating voices for her many dogs, cats and horses. She was passionate, eccentric and would proudly tell you she was a ‘tough old broad.’ Known as ‘Mema’ to her grandchildren, she enjoyed every minute of watching them grow. Jody loved to spend time at her home in Moultonborough, NH, entertaining family and friends while enjoying the gorgeous mountain view.”
Loved ones of Jody Calendar in her obituary

Jody was born in New York City, and lived in Ardsley, NY and McClean, VA, before settling in Monmouth County, where she graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School (RBC). She graduated with honors from Brookdale Community College and Rutgers College, where she was part of the first class of women.

She took great pride in being a world traveler who visited 53 countries and all 50 states and was a tireless supporter of a free press, lecturing in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo, and Prague for the U.S. State Department.

Jody was predeceased by her son, Bart, and is survived by her husband Carl, son Shane, daughter-in-law Kate, granddaughter Devin and grandson Luke.

Services will be held at the John E. Day Funeral Home from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, July 21, with a party to celebrate Jody’s life being held immediately after at nearby restaurant, Buona Sera. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jody Calendar’s name to the Brookdale Community College Foundation for student support in study abroad.