Peter Calabretta, chairman and founder of flavor technology specialist Comax Flavors, died Jan. 19. He was 85.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Calabretta was a triple alumnus of St. John’s University, earning his BA in 1955, his MS in 1958, and his Ph.D. in 1965, all in chemistry. 

Prior to founding Comax Flavors in 1977, Calabretta worked at companies including Hoffman LaRoche, Stauffer Chemical, and Felton International. In addition, he was an active member of The Flavor and Extracts Manufacturers Association (FEMA), serving on various committees.

He is survived by his wife, Louise; children, Peter Calabretta Jr., Paul Calabretta, Laura Ferrante, Claudine Muccini and Catherine Armstrong; and seven grandchildren.