LITCHFIELD – Leon C. Calawa Jr., a lifelong Litchfield resident who helped found Passaconaway Country Club, has died. He was 83.

Calawa, who was known to his friends as “Jimmy,” died Sunday after an extended illness. He served as fire chief, a member of the School Board and multiple terms as a state representative.

A longtime real estate developer and property owner, Calawa had been honored by historians and preservationists for guiding the rehabilitation of many local and state historic properties. He chaired the committee that relocated and renovated the old Town Hall, which now serves as home to the town Historical Society. He also donated materials and devoted many volunteer hours to the construction of the town’s main fire station in the late ’50s.

In addition to his wife, Rosalyn (Wilson) Calawa, he is survived by a son, Dr. Steven P. Calawa, and two daughters, JoEllen Bellerive and Jill Charbonneau.

Funeral services will be private.

– DEAN SHALHOUP