Obituary of George M. Calicchia

ILION - Mr. George M. Calicchia, age 89, passed away peacefully, early Thursday morning, October 19, 2017, in the privacy and comfort of his home. At the time of his passing, he was blessed with the love and support of his devoted family and special puppy “Nilla” at his bedside.

He was born on May 19, 1928 in Little Falls, NY, the son of the late Natale and Maria (Masselli) Calicchia. Throughout his life George was raised by Frances Monaco Calicchia who always offered him motherly compassion. He was a graduate of Little Falls schools. George was an honorable and dedicated veteran of the United States Army, having served our country during the Korean War era, namely 1950 until 1952. Following his service to our country, he was united in marriage with Yvonne T. DeGouff on July 23, 1955 at St. Francis de Sales Church in Herkimer. The couple had resided in Ilion for many years. Mrs. Calicchia passed away on Veterans Day, November 11, 2003. George had worked for Junket Brand Foods and Cherry – Burrell of Little Falls as well as for Univac in Ilion. He was employed for over 32 years with Martin Green & Sons Heating & Oil Company of Ilion as a service manager. After retiring, George worked happily for the Church of Annunciation and as caretaker for St. Agnes Cemetery in Ilion. George and Yvonne were faithful parishioners of the Church of Annunciation. He was a member of American Legion Post #920 in Ilion and served as Commander there from 1980-81 and was their Chaplain and held other various offices. George served as Chaplain of the Herkimer County American Legion. He was a member of the Ilion Housing Authority, Board of Commissioners 1991 until 1996 and 1998 until 2002. George was an active member of our community and will be dearly missed. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing, as well as volunteering at various community events including those with Catholic Charities, especially their Thanksgiving Dinner every year. First and foremost, George was devoted to his family and his unselfish and kind nature will forever be remembered and especially his love of picking mushrooms!

He is survived by his beloved family, his seven children, Marie Tata and her husband David of Utica, Carol Lennon of Ilion, Kathy DeLuca and her husband Anthony of Frankfort, Jane North and her husband Peter of Ilion, Michael Calicchia and his wife Joan of Vermont, Ann Frank and her husband Jon of Ilion, and Thomas Calicchia of Ilion; 17 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, a sister – in – law, Mary Calicchia of Little Falls, a brother-in-law, Philip DeGouff and wife Diana of Florida, a cousin Ennio Latini of Long Island, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins and many cousins in Italy.

He was predeceased by his wife, Yvonne Calicchia, his parents Natale, Maria and Frances, his sisters, Antoinette Crawford, Adeline Frank and Josephina Calicchia, his brothers, Rocco and Georgio Calicchia and most recently on October 8th of this year his very special friend and companion, Maryann Balaska.

A special thanks to Dr. Teng and Ed from the Rome VA Clinic, SUNY Upstate Oncology, Hospice nurses and aides and a special niece, Cyndi Frank.  The family would also like to extend their gratitude to the many relatives and friends for their prayers and assistance during our dad’s recent illness.

Funeral arrangements and supervision have been entrusted to Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, funeral directors of the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Visitation for George will take place at the funeral home on Sunday October 22, 2017 from 3 until 6 PM. The American Legion members may pay their respects in a body on Sunday at 5:00 PM at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 23, 2017, at 9:45 AM from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 10:30 AM at The Church of Annunciation, West Street in Ilion, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Paul Catena, Pastor.  Procession will then follow to St. Agnes Cemetery, North Ilion where he will be laid to rest with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be considered to: Ilion Ambulance or Hospice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.