Violet (Capraro) Calenzo

Mrs. Violet (Capraro) Calenzo, age 93, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with the love and support of her family. Born in Utica on July 7, 1916, Violet was the daughter of the late Thomas and Josephine (Flori) Capraro. She was raised in Utica and attended local schools. On November 19, 1932 she married Dominick A. Calenzo, Sr. with whom she shared 54 years prior to his passing on April 29, 1987; they were a well-suited and family oriented couple. During her working years, Violet worked for the General Electric Company, Bleecker St. Radio-Receiver location. As the matriarch of her family, her strength of character was well-rooted in her values and traditions. She was connected with each of her children and they loved and honored her until her very passing. Violet shared a special bond with her mother and siblings which was the foundation of family relationships. She was a wonderful cook and an accomplished baker of many delicate and delicious varieties of cookies. Violet’s special style made a holiday, a Sunday morning, or any gathering a special occasion for all. She was an avid bowler participating in area leagues and enjoyed playing Bingo with her friends. She was a former member of the East Side Senior Center and a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Violet is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Theresa and John Graniero of New Hartford; her sons and daughters-in-law, Dominick A., Jr. and Thelma Calenzo of Sauquoit, Thomas and Claudia Calenzo of Wisconsin, James and Donna Calenzo of Deerfield, and Steven and Betty Calenzo of Utica; and her son-in-law, Jim Hibbard. Always close to her heart was the memory of her daughter, Gina Hibbard, who passed away in 2002. She also leaves her 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her brothers and sisters-in-law, Philip R., Sr. and Ida Capraro, and Patrick and Angela Capraro, all of Utica; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sisters-in-law, Mamie Capraro, and Loretta Calenzo. Violet was also blessed with many wonderful friends at the Steinhorst Square Apartments. She was predeceased by her brothers and sister-in-law, Alexander Capraro, Joseph Capraro, Louis and Connie Capraro, and John T. Capraro, Sr.; and her sisters and brother-in-law, Caroline DiPierro, Rose Capraro, Lucille A. and Edward Calenzo, and Assunta “Susan” Deering. The family extends appreciation to the staff of the Manhattan household of the Masonic Care Community of NY; they cared for Violet in an appropriate and meaningful manner, and her family will always remember their kindness. Visitation will be held Sunday from 3:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Violet’s honor to St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Violet’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 8:30 from the funeral home and at 9:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Violet (Capraro) Calenzo

July 7, 1916 - July 29, 2009