Josephine R. Calicchia

Josephine R. Calicchia, age 88, of North Utica, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with her loving family by her side. Born in Utica on April 6, 1921, Josephine was the daughter of the late Ralph, Sr. and Rose (Perrotta) Calicchia. She was raised and educated locally. Josephine held various positions during her working years. She was employed by the Griffiss Air Force Base during World War II, the Windship Luggage Co. as an inspector until the closing of the company, the General Electric Co., Bleecker St. as a radio receiver assembler, and lastly at St. Luke’s Hospital. Josephine was a woman who dedicated herself in all phases of her life. She embraced her siblings as her parents became ill and she developed and maintained long lasting friendships. She was unconditional in her love, actions, and deeds. Holidays were spent under Josephine’s guidance and love and many cherish her unique ways of always remembering tradition and honoring the special occasions of being together. She also enjoyed socializing with friends and loved ones by phone calls, visits, and shopping trips. She was independent by nature and desired to stay well, and to that end, she continually walked to destinations for exercise and enjoyment. She was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Josephine is survived by her sisters, Anna Marie Calicchia with whom she shared a home, and Lena Sahli of FL; and her brother, Roc Calicchia of N. Utica and Florida. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Theresa “Tessie” Collicco. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Dominick J. “Click”, Sr. and Vincenza Collicco, Ralph N. “Click” Calicchia, Jr., Joseph and Phyllis Calicchia, and Anthony Collicco; her sister, Catherine Calicchia; her niece, Crystal Faith Gaffey; her nephew, Michael J. “Click” Calicchia, and her special friends, Faustine Melchiorre, Elvira Gentile, and Marie Girardo. The family wishes to thank Dr. Timothy Lafont for his genuine compassion and dedication while caring for Josephine; the nurses and staff of the 3rd & 4th floors at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their outstanding care; the Masonic Care Community of NY for providing a “comfortable home” and for fulfilling Josephine’s life, especially the Queens Household. A special thanks is given to Angela Nole for her dedication in visiting with Josephine which recalled the ‘earlier years’. In keeping with Josephine’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Monday morning at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Josephine’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave.

Josephine R. Calicchia

April 6, 1921 - May 6, 2009