Louie Caltagarone

Louie Caltagarone, 97, of Reynoldsville, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home on Monday, October 27, 2025. 

Born on July 26, 1928, in Reynoldsville, Jefferson County, he was the son of the late Mariano Caltagarone and Josephine (Abate) Caltagarone. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ina Claire (Long) Caltagarone, whom he married on July 6, 1950. Together, they built a home with the help of Louie’s brothers and raised four children.

Louie’s first job was at the Harris Adelphi Theater, where he met the love of his life, Ina. In the late fifties, his brothers began racing stock cars at Houtzdale Speedway. Louie traveled with his brothers to help them with their cars, and he eventually built a car of his own. The number he chose for the car was "4-U JR." After a 50-lap race at the old Clearfield Speedway, Louie’s car was found to have frost on the intake manifold, indicating he had been running an illegal fuel system, and he was disqualified. Around the same time, Louie had acquired a tract of land between Reynoldsville and Falls Creek. He decided to give up racing and instead, build his own track closer to home.

Louie and Ina operated Hummingbird Speedway from 1964–1975. Twenty years later, they decided to rebuild the track. In September of 2000, the track reopened and the Caltagarone family proclaimed "The Bird is Back." The 25th consecutive season recently concluded on September 6th.

Louie had a special talent for bringing joy to other people. Many remember him as Santa Claus growing up. He wasn’t just any Santa—he was the Santa that was rockin’ to Christmas favorites on his famous accordion! He didn’t just serenade schools and parties, he also played for several local nursing homes.

Louie served on the Reynoldsville Borough Council for 42 years. He also volunteered many hours at the church and the Sykesville Fairgrounds. He was once the “Reynoldsville Citizen of the Year,” and on his 90th birthday, he received a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for his “contributions to the well-being of others,” and “to the enrichment and betterment of future generations.”

Louie touched the hearts and lives of many. He treated those that walked through his gates like family, and he always put family before dollars. And that’s what made him the richest man in the racing business.

Louie is survived by his children: Josephine “Babe,” Louie “Peach,” Diane (Jay) Knox, Cindy (Joseph) Battaglia; one brother, Francis; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many, many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ina (2011), and siblings: Martin, Monica, Mary, Sam, Mike, Charlie, Joe, Jim, Carmelita, Paul, John, and Willy.

Louie was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Reynoldsville.

Viewing hours will be held on Saturday, November 1, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a second opportunity for viewing on Sunday, November 2, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. both taking place at the Snyder–d'Argy Funeral Home, 206 E. Main St. Reynoldsville PA, 15851

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. at  St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 607 E. Main St. Reynoldsville PA,15851. Interment will take place at the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Reynoldsville, Jefferson County PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences and other information may be found by visiting the funeral home website. www.dargyfh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Louie Caltagarone, please visit our floral store.