Beloved Port Douglas Markets pioneer Filippo Calabro remembered for his generosity and charm

IN MEMORY

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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Filippo Calabro will be remembered for his generosity and passion. Picture: Supplied by the Calabro family

The local community bid a heartfelt farewell to Filippo Calabro, a cherished member of the community, as they gathered on Thursday to pay their final respects at his funeral. At the age of 82, Filippo Calabro passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the pioneers of the Port Douglas Markets.

For 38 years, Mr Calabro graced the Sunday markets with his presence and delightful array of fruit, vegetables, dried and frozen mango and herbs, becoming an integral part of the market's history.

Mr Calabro’s warm and welcoming personality was an integral part of his market presence.

According to his son, Sam Calabro, it was his father’s warm and welcoming personality that truly made him a beloved figure at the market.

Sam Calabro and his older brother (white shirt) came along at the markets on Sunday from a young age. Picture: Supplied by the Calabro family

“He was a man of words and he liked to talk to everyone and to make them feel welcome,” Sam Calabro shared. “Over 38 years, he made a lot of friends at the markets.”

In addition to his warm personality, Filippo Calabro was widely recognised for his exceptional generosity, touching the lives of many.

“He often told people who were short on money to take what they required, trusting in their integrity to repay him at a later time,” Sam Calabro said. “Remarkably, many people would return his good faith by paying him back the next week.”

Market Mourns

Originally from Sicily, Italy, Filippo Calabro arrived in our area back in 1962, full of youthful ambition and a thirst for adventure.

His arrival in Australia marked the beginning of a journey to explore and forge his own path. His passion and dedication to the markets were unparalleled.

Louigi Scommazon, owner of Scommazon Farming, had a stall positioned right next to Filippo's for about 30 years.

Reflecting on their time together, Louigi shared, “Filipo was an incredibly generous and kind-hearted person, his absence has undoubtedly created an emptiness at the markets”.

Amanda Calway, market coordinator of the Port Douglas markets, shared that Mr Calabro was a dedicated stall holder who was loved by many other stallholders.

Continuing the legacy

Sam Calabro is determined to honour his father's remarkable legacy by carrying forward the stall at the markets.

“Once we’re ready, my mother and I will come back to the markets and continue where we left off,” he said.

“We are committed to maintaining the same spirit, keeping the experience as genuine as possible, and carrying out operations in the manner my father envisioned."

Mr Calabro’s warm and welcoming personality was an integral part of his market presence. Picture: Supplied by the Calabro family

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