Frances M. (LaNeve) Callari

Mrs. Frances M. (LaNeve) Callari, age 84, of Utica, formerly of 709 Tilden Avenue, and currently a resident of the St. Joseph Nursing Home, passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. Her passing occurred at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Utica on December 13, 1925, Frances was the daughter of the late Angelo and Angeline (Scalzo) LaNeve. She received her elementary education at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Grammar School and then attended Utica Free Academy. On October 4, 1947 she married Peter B. Callari with whom she shared 22 years prior to his passing on January 15, 1970; they were partners not only in their marriage, but also in their family life and business ventures. Frances began her working career as a sales clerk at Grant’s Bookstore. She then devoted her maternal years to raising her children, and concurrently assisted her husband in their business ventures; overseeing the concession stand at the Schuyler Drive-In, and operating the Sky Line Restaurant. Frances lastly was a sales associate at Winner’s Women’s Apparel Store where she worked until its closing. She was a very hospitable woman, forever a smile on her face. Her cooking talents were abundant and her home was open to all. Holiday gatherings were made special by her home made delectable dishes, culminating in a “masterful meal”. Her children were the center of her life and in turn, they honored and incorporated her into their lives. When they were school-aged, she always supported the activities of her children and their friends who remember the generosity and love she put into the baked goods and treats. Her innate traits of being good-natured, spirited, and fun-loving will long be remembered. Along with her husband they enjoyed creating ceramics which they masterfully displayed for others to admire and purchase. Another of her favorite pastimes was Saturday “garage saleing”. She was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Frances is survived by her son, Peter B. Callari, Jr. of N. Utica; her daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara A. and Jack LoMedico of Utica, and Cathy and Lyle Beane of New Hartford; her grandchildren, Gina and Brent Vanderwood, Jamie Callari, Jason Gokey, Gregory LoMedico, Ryan LoMedico, Matthew LoMedico, Brittany Beane, and Lyle Beane, III; and her great-grandchildren, Kaiela and Logan; and Julia and Kaitlyn. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sister-in-law, Anne LaNeve of NY Mills; and longtime friend and garage sale buddy, Roxanne Convertino. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Loretta and Michael Loiacano; her brother, George S. LaNeve, Sr.; her niece, Mary Anne Devendorf; her nephew, George S. LaNeve, Jr; and her in-laws, Theresa and Vincent Fondario, and Kathleen “Katie” and Ernest Bruno. The family is grateful to the staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Special Care Unit, especially Pam, Rhonda, and Lisa; their kindness was extraordinary and of great comfort to the family during the last few days of Frances’ journey; the caregivers of the St. Joseph Nursing Home, the Carmelite Sisters, the 2nd floor staff who cared for “Frannie” with many gentle gestures, and the spiritual guidance of Father David Sambor. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Frances’ funeral service will commence on Saturday morning at 8:00 from the funeral home and at 9:00 at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life will be held. Her family will accompany Frances to her final resting place in Calvary Cemetery.