Life Celebrations Planned for Willie Calabrese

Celebrations of life for William "Willie" Calabrese, who on Aug. 31, will be held this weekend. Calabrese, 20, was a La Jolla High School graduate and former La Jolla Water Polo Club teammate.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Sept. 8 at 3 p.m. at L, 7715 Draper Ave. in La Jolla.

A paddle out at Marine Street Beach is planned for Sunday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. The family is planning a cremation of Willie’s remains, according to a family friend.

The La Jolla Water Polo Club posted this about Calabrese:

Willie was an incredible example to all of us.  He worked harder than anyone.  He loved to laugh.  He was open minded, non-judgmental and forgiving.  He was the guy you wanted to go into battle with.  He always had your back, whether it was in the water or away from the pool.  He held his teammates accountable during workouts, but never demanded more from anyone than he himself was willing to do.  He understood and exemplified the term selfless and was an incredible example of service to others.

Those wishing to make a donation to the family are asked to make checks out to the La Jolla United Methodist Church with "Willie" in the memo line. Online donations can be made by going to the La Jolla Water Polo online at lajollawaterpolo.com/w/ and following the link to Willie Calabrese Donations.  

Donations will be used to help the family with funeral expenses. Excess funds will be donated in Calabrese’s name to the Burn Institute and Vista Hill Foundation, and for scholarships in his name for the San Diego Junior Lifeguard Foundation, Pacific Beach Christian Church Summer Camp, La Jolla Water Polo and Boy Scout Troop 506 Summer Camp.