Remembering a ROLLER DERBY icon….

Posted by bunkertor on March 15, 2008 in Banked Track, Roller Derby

Remembering a ROLLER DERBY icon….

Posted by: “Gary Powers”
(RollerDerbyForum)
Fri Mar 14, 2008 8:41 pm (PDT)

It was two years ago today that Roller Derby lost forever its most recognizable star and
advocate… ANN CALVELLO. She came into the sport during the late 40s and immediately
transformed the sport. Over the next six decades, ATC thrilled fans the world over like no
other skater. She was a total company gal, always putting what was best for Roller Derby
before personal glory to make sure that fans got their moneys’ worth and left the arena
wanting more and more. She became one of Derby’s greatest ‘red shirt’ skaters, then left
for National, delighting fans ‘Down Under,’ before returning to the original league where
she was inducted into the Hall of Fame, then continued her legendary career.

Many felt Ann should have retired when she was at her best, but she continued to be out
there on the banked track since she knew the game was nolonger at the caliber it had
once been and simply by putting her name on a marquee would mean bodies would be in
the seats to benefit everyone out there skating. She was simply Derby’s greatest
ambassador.

I feel so privileged that I got to know Ann Calvello, to become tight with her, to have her
protect me, always identifying herself as ‘Mom’ and calling me her ’son’ and to be able to
make the last years of her life filled with new acquaintances and experiences. She loved
being in the spotlight and that never changed, but then again, being in touch with Ann
gave fans one more memorable story to tell about their encounter with a Roller Derby
icon and yes, she loved every moment of these encounters.

I always think of her last day, how much pain she was in, how much she wanted the pain
to end, how difficult it was for all of us who loved her to know there was little we could do.
And I truly know Ann is in a much better place, with her sisters and parents and her
skating family, certainly keeping an eye on all of us. But boy, is she missed!!!!

It’s been two years, two long difficult years without her indelible voice and opinions and
laughter and wisdom, but yes, she WILL live on forever and a day as long as there are fans
alive who remember this one-in-a-million personality… ANN CALVELLO.

May she rest in peace.
May her star continue to shine.
May we never forget Anna Theresa.

With love and respect and admiration,
Gary P.

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