Rachael Swider gave a tribute to John J. Cali, who passed away at the age of 95. Mr. Cali was known for his modesty, honesty, and philanthropy, as well as his love of music and the arts. He generously donated to establish the School of Music at Montclair State University in 2008. Mr. Cali started a successful real estate business in New Jersey with his brother and friend, building homes, apartments, and offices. Throughout his life, he remained humble and generous, giving back to education and music.

1. Good evening everyone. My name is Rachael Swider and I have the
honor to pay tribute to the late John J. Cali.
Mr. Cali was known for his elegant manner, modesty, honesty and
philanthropy. He also had a great love of music and the arts.
In many ways without his support,the music program here at MSU,
this building, and even today’s Curtain Call Awards would not be
possible.
Mr. Cali was born in the coal-mining town of Tercio, Colorado on
August 8, 1918. His family later moved to Clifton, New Jerseywhere
he graduated from Clifton High Schooland later attended Indiana
University where he studied Sociologyand Psychology.He worked
his way through college by playing the saxophone and the clarinet in
a jazz band.
John J. Cali was an out of the box thinker. He applied this ability with
his next stage of life.
Here in New Jersey,Cali started a family own real estate business
with his bother Angelo R. Cali and close friend,Edward Leshowitz.
Together their vision for real estate was unlike any other developers,
it was inventive and creative. Their real estate business built single-
family homes and apartment complexes,which later expanded into
office developments.
Mr. Cali served as the presidentof the Office Development
Associationof New Jerseyand was a board memberof many other
organizations and groups. With all his successJohn J. Cali stayed a
generous and humble man always willing to give back. His love for
music and education never left him. So in 2008 it was not a surprise
that he gave a generous gift to Montclair State University to help
establish the Schoolof Music, which is the only university based
music schoolin New Jersey. On February 1, 2014 we lost a beloved
friend, husband, father, supporterand benefactorat the age of 95.
Mr. Cali brought out the best of everyone he met and is a great
inspiration to all.

2. I would just like to end this tribute in sending out my deepest
sympathy to his wife, Rose Cali and his family. His ability to
constantly remain humble, kind, and always a willingness to give
back really impacted me. His generosityhe gave to MSU will forever
give present and future students here at this University the
opportunity to pursue their dreams in Music. John J. Cali will be
forevermissed,but never forgotten.Thank You John J. Cali and may
God Bless your soul.