Mark A. “Max” Calderone

Born on Aug. 19, 1993 in Saranac Lake, Max was a student majoring in forest biology at Paul Smith’s College. He graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 2012, where he played soccer and was a member of the ski team. At Paul Smith’s, Max excelled, earning his way on to the dean’s list each semester, was a valuable member of the soccer team and was recently elected junior class president. In addition to playing soccer for the college, he made the United States Collegiate Athletic Association’s National All Academic Team in fall 2013 and was just nominated for that team again in 2014.

Max is best described as a caring and compassionate young man. He was a friend to all, an empathetic, kind, fun-loving, hard-working, generous, adventurous, bright young man with a true zest for life and all the things it promised. He often left little notes for his mother, and was wise and insightful beyond his years. He had a special bond with his family and close friends, of which there are many.

Along with his parents, Max leaves his brother Dillon; his step-brother Eli Brhel; his step-mother Donna Calderone; his grandparents: Bette and Robert Pino of South Egremont, Massachusetts; and close cousins, aunts and uncles who loved him dearly. He will be missed by his special family pets, Ophelia and Simon.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Betty and Roy Calderone.

Calling hours will take place from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 on the Paul Smith’s College campus.

In the spirit of Max and how he lived his life, his family encourages memorial contributions be made to Paul Smith’s College for the Max Calderone scholarship fund in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.