Mrs. Loretta "Laura" (LaNeve) Calenzo

Mrs. Loretta “Laura” (LaNeve) Calenzo, age 98, went home to the Lord and was reunited with those who went before her when she passed away on Friday, September 16, 2016 with her loving family at her side. Born in Utica on October 27, 1917, Loretta was the daughter of the late Pietro and Maria (Muto) LaNeve. She was raised and educated in local schools. On June 15, 1940 she married Frank J. Calenzo with whom she shared 34 years. They were kindred souls in so many ways, and they were proud of the family they created. Her beloved Frank passed away on September 25, 1974. Years ago, the students at St. Anthony of Padua School were lucky… Laura was the cafeteria lunch lady. She loved them; they loved her, and she was remembered for generations. She later worked at the Genesee Nursing Home as a Nurse’s Aid, a perfect calling because she was a compassionate caregiver by nature. During her working life, she also maintained her home and motherhood duties. A devout Catholic, Loretta’s spirituality guided her life. She prayed for a litany of people with devotion and sincerity. She viewed daily Mass on television when her health began to decline and she was unable to attend her home parish St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. She was a faithful member of the St. Theresa Society, Sacred Heart Society, and the Secular Third Order of St. Francis. She prepared “pizza fritta” at the annual parish feast, supported and adorated Saints Cosmo and Damiano and participated in the yearly feast and procession in their honor. She also attended retreats that were arranged through the church and associated societies. She extended her grace to her home and made it a place of happiness and hospitality. Her family followed in her footsteps and were grateful for her quiet guidance. She honored all the relationships she made during her life and reciprocated with love and loyalty to each one of them. Laura was a reflective soul and as life would have it, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren filled her heart, honored her, and held her in their hearts. Laura was savvy and sharp enough to play card games well into her 90’s, and she enjoyed her former membership at the East Side Senior Center. She made you feel special and she never forgot a birthday. She was up-to-date on current events and loved the city of Utica. Laura could carry on a conversation and everyone respected the clarity of her stories that went back to her childhood years when she picked beans in the lots. Laura was independent and didn’t let life pass her by. Her relationship with her siblings was a priority and she preserved it with phone calls each day to check in. Generations of children know of her love whether they were living near home or miles away. When family gathered at her home, two things were a given: the food would be great, and the meal would begin with ‘grace’ and in later years she enjoyed family get togethers and high-spirited, holiday-themed parties. As Loretta walked in the Lord’s path, she found peace and optimism along the way, blessings that were evident in her interactions with people. Her faith, hope, and love were the very virtues that Jesus taught, but the greatest of these is love, and Laura lived in the light of that love. Laura is survived by her children and their loves, Frank Jr. and Linda Calenzo, Peter and Nancy Calenzo, Larry and Christy Calenzo, Maryann and Lon Thrasher, Elizabeth “Betty” Calenzo, and Richard and Carla Calenzo; her grandchildren, Mark, Kevin, and Christopher Calenzo; Pete Jr. and Teresa Calenzo, Amy Calenzo-Garces, John and Jennifer Calenzo; Larry P. Calenzo, and William and Erin Burns; Lon Jr. and Tanya Thrasher, SFC/US Army Scott and Brandie Thrasher, Jeffrey Thrasher and fiancee Nicole Sykes, Bryan and Holly Thrasher; Andrew Calenzo and fiancee Jennifer Nevarez, Jennifer Calenzo, Steven Pavlik, and Isabel Pavlik; her great-grandchildren, Riley, Malyea, Mateo, Mariani, Keenan, Mia, Brady, and Sophia; Dylan, and Ethan Burns; Demi, Jaden and Lon III, Whitney, Christian and Dalton, Michael and Myla, Jocelyn and Mason; and Josephine; as well as the anticipation of her first great-great-grandson. She also leaves her brother, Cosmo LaNeve. She was a second mother and Aunt Laura was adored by her many nieces and nephews, especially Jim and Cathy, Jack, Pattie and Theresa; her great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nephew. Laura was blessed with a host of neighbors, family, and friends and knew the love of Patricia Zane who assisted the family when in need. Laura is now reunited with her infant daughter, Loretta, who preceded her in 1961. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Rosemary and James Hanretty; her brothers and sister-in-law, George LaNeve, and Dominick and Tina Laneve; and several members of the LaNeve and Calenzo families. Loretta’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Sudershan Dang for his professional dedication; the staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center/4th Floor/ICCU whose affection and loving care was heartwarming and greatly appreciated; the personnel of the Sitrin Rehabilitation Center for their comforting accommodations; and a special thank you to Rev. Mark Kaminski and Rev. Anthony P. LaFache for their spiritual offerings that were so appreciated. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church in honor of Laura’s devotion to her faith; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Loretta’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski and her dear friend, Deacon William Dischiavo. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Loretta "Laura" (LaNeve) Calenzo

October 27, 1917 - September 16, 2016